Oxford creative hub

Old Fire Station Arts Centre

A dynamic creative hub in central Oxford featuring a public gallery, theatre, and community workshops.

ArtContemporary

Located in the heart of Oxford, this lively arts centre hosts a mix of local and international performances, contemporary art exhibitions, and community projects. Visitors can enjoy live theatre, comedy, and music, browse the gallery, or relax in the on-site café.

A dynamic Oxford arts hub presenting independent performances, contemporary exhibitions, and community creative projects alongside a popular public café.

About the Old Fire Station Arts Centre

The Old Fire Station is a multi-disciplinary arts centre in Oxford that serves as a vibrant community hub. The venue hosts diverse local and international performances, from theatre to comedy, alongside a public gallery for contemporary art. Driven by a spirit of creative risk-taking, the space supports emerging artists and runs participatory projects.

Red brick Victorian building with a corner tower and arched stone entrance labeled Old Fire Station, featuring red doors and ground-floor cafe and art gallery entrances

Old Fire Station Admission and Tickets

Admission to events at the Old Fire Station in Oxford operates on a tiered pricing structure designed to be accessible to all. Visitors can choose between standard, lower, or higher pricing tiers based on what they can afford, with ticket costs varying by event. Free companion tickets are also available for those accompanying patrons with a disability. This flexible system helps support the venue's creative community projects and independent artists.

Standard Ticket

Price not listed

Regular ticket price based on what you can afford. Prices vary by event.

Pay More Ticket

Price not listed

For those who can afford to help support cheaper tickets for others. Helps support artists and community projects.

Pay Less Ticket

Price not listed

For those who cannot afford the standard price. Self-selected tier.

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Visitor amenities at the Old Fire Station

The Old Fire Station provides practical facilities to support your visit, including an on-site café where visitors can purchase food and drinks. This space is designed to enhance the overall visitor experience by offering comfortable amenities for those attending performances, galleries, or workshops in the heart of Oxford.

Visit our café

Available

Extra charge

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Old Fire Station Location in Oxford

The Old Fire Station is located on George Street in the heart of Oxford, making it an easily accessible destination for visitors exploring the city's vibrant cultural scene. Situated within walking distance of major historic landmarks and transport links, this dynamic arts hub provides a central point to experience independent theatre, contemporary galleries, and local community-led exhibitions.

George Street 40

OX1 2AQ Oxford

St Thomas', England, GB

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Visiting the Old Fire Station

Planning a visit to the Old Fire Station in Oxford's St Thomas' neighborhood depends on your interest in the galleries, workshops, or theatre. Visitors attending a scheduled performance or event should coordinate their arrival with the showtimes. For those looking to explore the public gallery and creative studios, a brief self-guided visit during opening hours is ideal.

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The Creative and Community Experience at the Old Fire Station

The Old Fire Station in the St Thomas' neighborhood of Oxford is a multi-disciplinary arts centre where creative risk-taking meets community connection. Within this lively cultural hub, visitors can explore a public art gallery dedicated to contemporary exhibitions showcasing both local and international creators. The venue's diverse performance spaces host intimate live comedy, boundary-pushing theatre, circus acts, and community-led productions. Alongside supporting early-career artists, the centre operates a welcoming on-site café and runs participatory creative programmes.

Street-level view of a red brick building at dusk with windows glowing bright red, showing the Old Fire Station arts centre facade with arched entrance and street signage.

Top exhibition picks at Old Fire Station

Curated museum program highlights and what to see now in Oxford

Discover high-interest exhibitions at Old Fire Station, selected to help you prioritize your route, compare show themes, and plan a more rewarding museum visit in Oxford.

Illustration of a gallery wall displaying black and white portrait photographs alongside handwritten notes and abstract sketches exploring themes of freedom, identity, and human spirit.

Explore the Am I Free Yet? Exhibition at Old Fire Station Oxford

Collaborative art, photography, and personal reflections on freedom.

See a moving selection of portraits and written narratives created by The Hidden Spire Collective. This community art project connects personal experiences with historical reflections on postwar freedom. Experience photography and drawings showcasing diverse individual perspectives.

Exhibition Details

Visitors view the Storytelling Mural, a large-scale, vibrant hand-cut paper collage featuring colorful human figures and swirling abstract patterns on a gallery wall.

Storytelling Mural Exhibition at the Old Fire Station in Oxford

Vibrant paper collage art by illustrator Beth Suzanna.

View a large-scale hand-cut paper collage mural that brings local stories to life in Oxford. This public artwork by artist Beth Suzanna highlights themes of identity, belonging, and collaboration across diverse creative groups.

Exhibition Details

Open full Old Fire Station exhibitions page

History of the Old Fire Station

The site on George Street was developed between 1894 and 1896 by architect H.W. Moore, replacing older 17th-century housing. A time capsule was placed beneath the foundation stone during the initial construction, preserving various city artifacts. Following its original civic function, the venue was later repurposed and reopened in 2011 as a **vibrant arts centre** managed by Arts at the Old Fire Station, integrating community-focused creative programs with public performance and gallery spaces.

Construction of the Corn Exchange and Fire Station
1894-1896Construction
The site was developed between 1894 and 1896, with the buildings designed by architect H.W. Moore. These structures were constructed on George Street, replacing a range of older houses that dated back to the 17th century.
Foundation stone capsule ceremony
1894Milestone
In October 1894, a time capsule was placed in a cavity beneath the foundation stone. It contained historical items including the City of Oxford Yearbook for 1894, copies of local newspapers, silver coins of the year, and photographs of the buildings that had been demolished to clear the site.
Reopening as an arts centre
2011Opening
The Old Fire Station reopened in 2011 as an arts centre managed by the organization Arts at the Old Fire Station. The facility was transformed to include a theatre, gallery, shop, studios, and a café, alongside a training center for homeless people operated by Crisis Skylight Oxford.

Practical and Curious FAQs for the Old Fire Station

Planning your visit to the Old Fire Station in Oxford? You won't find traditional student discounts here, but their wonderfully flexible "Pay Less" or "Pay More" ticket tiers let you choose what fits your wallet. It’s a remarkably honest approach to arts access, even if finding their public phone number is a bit of a mystery.

What is the customer service response time for Old Fire Station?

The expected response time and contact methods for customer service are currently unavailable.

How can I contact Old Fire Station by email?

An official email address is not currently provided for the Old Fire Station.

What is the phone number for Old Fire Station?

There is no public phone number listed for the Old Fire Station.

How to get to Old Fire Station

Information about public transport routes and options for reaching Old Fire Station is currently unavailable.

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Tips for Visiting the Old Fire Station

When planning a visit to the Old Fire Station in central Oxford, visitors can look forward to exploring a multi-use arts centre that hosts a public gallery, theatre, and creative studios. To make the most of the experience, consider pairing a browse through the gallery with a stop at the on-site café. The award-nominated café offers a welcoming space to enjoy food and drink during your visit. Since the venue presents a diverse program of performance events and workshops, reviewing the scheduled activities in advance can help you coordinate your arrival.

Visitor Experience at the Old Fire Station

The Old Fire Station, located in the St Thomas' neighborhood of Oxford, is a versatile community arts centre that appeals to solo visitors, couples, and groups interested in contemporary culture. Those who appreciate independent theatre, stand-up comedy, and diverse circus performances will find a welcoming space for evening events. During the day, the venue caters to art lovers looking to explore its public contemporary gallery alongside a dedicated on-site café. This creative hub is particularly suited for individuals seeking socially engaged projects and an approachable atmosphere that connects local creators with the broader community.

Old Fire Station Photo Gallery & Architecture

Visual previews of the Old Fire Station in central Oxford showcase its historic red-brick Victorian facade, featuring a distinctive corner tower and arched stone entrance. Images capture the welcoming ground-floor gallery and café space, alongside atmospheric views of the building glowing at dusk. These gallery photos offer an authentic glimpse of the vibrant arts hub before you visit.

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Guides, visitor info, and museum details in Oxford

Find everything about Old Fire Station in one place, including tickets, opening hours, current exhibitions, location details, visitor tips, nearby attractions, and the latest museum updates. Use these pages to plan your visit, discover what to see, and get practical information before you go.

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