Oxford University Press Museum

About the museum

Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford, and its museum follows the University's involvement in printing and publishing from the 15th century to the present day. The museum is housed in the Press's offices on Great Clarendon Street in Oxford.

The displays begin with the first book printed in Oxford and include historic printing equipment, such as type donated to the University in the seventeenth century and a nineteenth-century printing press. Visitors also see Bibles and prayer books and well-known titles published by the Press, including the Oxford Almanack, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and the Oxford English Dictionary. Other displays introduce key figures in the Press's history and its buildings and international offices. Book printing at the Press ended in 1989, so the museum shows its machinery as a historical display rather than a working print shop.

Highlights

• The first book printed in Oxford
• Historic printing equipment, including 17th-century type and a 19th-century press
• Bibles, prayer books and the Oxford Almanack
• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and the Oxford English Dictionary
• Expert-led tour of about 30 to 45 minutes

Permanent exhibition

• History of printing and publishing at Oxford – Objects and printing equipment tracing the University of Oxford's printing and publishing work from the 15th century to today.

Founded

1990

Operated by

Oxford University Press

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Tours are free of charge but must be booked in advance.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The main entrance is not level. Step-free access is available on request, so visitors who need it should say so when booking.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is inside the offices of Oxford University Press on Great Clarendon Street.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit