Play area
Small Worlds
Ages 0–560–60 minPaidBooking required
An immersive story-play space for children aged five and under.
Discover a unique museum dedicated to the art of storytelling. Explore immersive galleries like the Whispering Wood and an Enchanted Library, step through a wardrobe into Narnia, and enjoy hands-on activities, performances, and dedicated play areas for young children.
An interactive museum celebrating stories through immersive themed galleries, hands-on exhibitions, workshops, and play spaces designed for visitors of all ages.
Located in Oxford, The Story Museum is an interactive cultural venue dedicated to celebrating narratives in all their forms. Visitors of all ages can explore themed spaces like the Whispering Wood, step inside classic tales, and participate in creative workshops. By bringing fictional worlds to life, this immersive destination seeks to inspire a lifelong love of reading and creative expression.
Located on Pembroke Street in the heart of the Oxford City Centre, The Story Museum is highly accessible for visitors exploring the historic university city. This central positioning puts the museum within easy walking distance of major local landmarks, shops, and transport links. It serves as a convenient and inspiring stop for families and visitors planning a day out among Oxford's cultural attractions.
Pembroke Street 42
OX1 1BP Oxford
City Centre, England, GB
The Story Museum is located in the city centre of Oxford and is easily accessible to visitors on foot. While there is no dedicated public parking, designated cycle parking spots are conveniently situated on Broad Street and at the local railway station. Visitors requiring accessible parking can utilize the Blue Badge parking system nearby for easier arrival.
Located in Oxford, The Story Museum provides an immersive visitor experience dedicated entirely to literature and narrative. The museum features themed galleries, including the Whispering Wood, the Enchanted Library, and the interactive Story Arcade. Visitors can step through a physical wardrobe into Narnia, tackle mystery challenges in the Treasure Chamber, or attend creative workshops. For early-years visitors, the Small Worlds play zone offers dedicated story spaces. This destination brings classic tales to life through creative play, hands-on exhibitions, and live performances.
Founded in 2003, The Story Museum initially operated as a virtual institution without physical premises. In 2009, the museum secured a permanent home at Rochester House on Pembroke Street in Oxford, funded by a generous private donation. The venue underwent a **major £6 million redevelopment** starting in 2018 to transform its historic spaces. This extensive project was completed in 2020, establishing the immersive, storytelling-focused galleries that define the modern venue.
The Story Museum in Oxford welcomes visitors with its distinctive red brick facade, Tudor-style timber framing, and a vibrant "STORY!" entrance. Inside the courtyard, a striking blue building painted with clouds, a spiral staircase, and a curved wooden walkway set a playful tone for the visitor experience. These unique architectural features preview the imaginative, interactive galleries waiting to be explored.
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