Wow.
Have you been recently? Last year saw the completion of a huge transformation that saw a two million pound investment and the museum closed for 5 months!
Here’s the big changes:
The Café: Designed by acclaimed British artist Emma Hart, this is more than just a café, it’s an ever-changing immersive installation! An experience! It’s now downstairs in the basement yet you don’t even miss the windows due to the kaleidoscope of colours. Inspired by the artist’s love of the joy and escapism of clubbing and her own devotion to the rave scene the café has glass tabletops that throw pools of colour onto the floor like a disco ball and ‘hands in the air’ chairs that are also seats. Every direction you look is a different perspective and it’s just so, well, fun. Adults will love it and kids probably won’t know what to make of it. A rave, a café, an experience. And utterly joyful. Children LOVE THIS!
The Creative Space: Bigger and better. More capacity for workshops, sensory play for the early years via Make Play and space for creative participation, learning and exploration for families. It feels like there is a real sharp focus is on community and education – this is your museum in your city and it feels like a real celebration of that.
Ground Floor Gallery: The shop moves to the front of the building and this creates gallery space for temporary exhibitions celebrating Oxford’s creative community. Again, the focus on community and exhibitions co-created by artists and local people. The front of the building is now a welcoming space to relax, work and socialise.
Upper Galleries: The Upper Galleries remain a large open space and a wonderful canvas. Escape the bustle of the city and take a moment to visit, reflect and explore as you encounter world-leading contemporary art, curated by the expert team at Modern Art Oxford. Even if (like me!), you know nothing about art, a visit here is always mind-opening.
Everybody’s welcome in the galleries, whatever their age. There are activity sheets and sensory backpacks specially designed to help children explore the space in their own way, and inspire a love of creative learning. Pick them up for free at the welcome desk.
There’s also new additions to the programme such as evening courses and late nights, including late night café openings. See the ‘What’s on’ page for details.
Browse, lounge, work, participate, appreciate, create. This is YOUR space.
