The Story Museum
Children's literacy charity and museum in Oxford with immersive story galleries, a story-play space for under-fives and a 100-seat theatre.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The idea for The Story Museum was first dreamed up in 2003. After years of planning, the founders received the keys to the premises on Pembroke Street in Oxford in 2009, and the museum has developed there ever since. It is a not-for-profit company and a registered charity, and describes itself as one of Oxfordshire's largest literacy charities.
Inside, the galleries invite visitors to travel between story worlds. The Portal is the starting point, followed by spaces such as the Whispering Wood and the Enchanted Library, together with the Mystery Academy: School for Young Detectives in the Treasure Chamber. Small Worlds is a story-play space of picture books, nursery rhymes and traditional tales for under-fives, and the Woodshed is a 100-seat theatre for performances and author events.
The museum also runs a Learning, Access and Participation programme that supported nearly 13,000 children, teachers and families in the past year, along with school visits and outreach work. Its collection of stories is also available online through the 1001 Stories website. A changing programme of temporary exhibitions and events, including evening events for adults, runs alongside the permanent galleries.
Highlights
- Immersive galleries including the Whispering Wood and the Enchanted Library
- Mystery Academy: School for Young Detectives
- Small Worlds story-play space for under-fives
- Woodshed theatre with performances and author events
- Family-friendly cafe and a book shop
Permanent exhibitions
- The Galleries – Immersive story worlds including the Portal, the Whispering Wood and the Enchanted Library, plus the Mystery Academy detective exhibition in the Treasure Chamber.
- Small Worlds – A story-play space for under-fives with picture books, nursery rhymes and traditional tales, visited in timed 60-minute sessions.
- Founded
- 2003
- Operated by
- The Story Museum (registered charity)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £14.50 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | £14.50free up to age 0 · Galleries ticket for ages 5 and over; ages 1 to 4 pay £7.50 and under 1s are free. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –companion free · A companion or carer of a disabled visitor is admitted free to the galleries and events. |
| Groups | –Groups should phone the box office on +44 1865 807600 to book. |
| Families | –There is no family discount. |
| Galleries ticket with a donation | £16Ages 1 to 4 £8.25; the ticket and donation qualify for Gift Aid. |
| Small Worlds session for under-fives (without donation) | £7.50£8.25 with a donation; under 1s are free. |
| Story Pass, annual pass for ages 5 and over | £50Unlimited entry to the galleries for a year; £25 for ages 1 to 4. |
Prices without a donation are listed; a ticket with a donation is £16 and qualifies for Gift Aid. Half-price days are run regularly. National Art Pass members get 50 per cent off the galleries. Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult, and both adults and children need tickets. Booking in advance is recommended.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- 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
Free audio-descriptive guides for blind and visually impaired visitors are available from the Story Guides in the Portal, and a visual story in PDF form can be downloaded before a visit. Access-friendly events and relaxed performances have brighter lighting, lower sound and a quiet breakout room. Wheelchair spaces in the Woodshed theatre can be reserved through the box office. Bicycle parking is available on site and trailers go in the buggy park. Visitors with particular needs are invited to contact the museum before they come.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 0 |
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Stroller-friendly
- Baby changing facilities
- Playground / play area
- Kids’ birthday parties
The galleries are best for ages 5 and over and Small Worlds is a story-play space for ages 0 to 5. Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult. The cafe has a children's menu, highchairs, baby changing, a buggy park, bottle warming on request, and toys and games. Skills clubs, performances and relaxed events run through the year, and children's birthday parties can be booked.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Oxford railway station · 10-min walk
The museum is about a 10-minute walk from Oxford railway station. Local buses run to the city centre and Oxford Tube coaches serve Gloucester Green bus station. The Redbridge and Seacourt Park and Ride car parks are within a 30-minute walk, and the museum recommends using Park and Ride.
By car
No visitor car park of its own; the nearest car parks are Westgate Shopping Centre and Oxpens car park on Oxpens Road, both about a 5-minute walk away. Blue Badge guidance is linked on the website.
Pembroke Street is one-way with access from St Ebbe's, and entry to some zones of the city centre needs a traffic filter permit. Bicycle parking is available on site and on Broad Street.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Restaurant: not available
- Museum shop
Independent cafe with gluten-free and vegan options, open to passers-by as well as visitors, plus a gift and book shop; only contactless payment is accepted. Limited space in the courtyard for picnics. Food and drink are not allowed in the gallery spaces.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
- Weddings / ceremonies
Hire is offered for meetings and conferences, parties and celebrations, weddings, children's birthday parties and sleepovers; the Woodshed theatre has a technical information pack.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Audio guide | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | A typical visit to the galleries takes 60 to 90 minutes. Entry to the galleries is with an all-day ticket and a wristband is given at the entrance. Visitors arrive through the gates on Pembroke Street. School visits and teacher training are booked through the learning team. |
