Oxford Open Doors

see inside the Story Museum's new home as part of this year's Oxford Open Doors 10-11th September 2011

The Story Museum's home is not normally open to the public (and still in a semi-dilapidated condition). We've now appointed an architect, and design work on the transformation of the building into a world-class museum is due to start in the autumn. Come and see the building in its 'before' stage and find out more about our plans.

The site has its own fascinating story. There are more than 70 rooms, hundreds of keys (which we keep on a huge bunch) and some mysterious safes. The three atmospheric buildings, which have been empty for several years, vary in age from Victorian (when part of it was a pub) to 20th century and it once formed part of the main Post Office.

free guided tours

Last year, more than 600 visitors came to visit us. Make friends with The Story Museum and its quirky home as it starts an exciting new chapter. The tour will include the old postal workers’ canteen, and the sight of a dinosaur and Wonderland characters...

tour times: 11.00am-5.00pm (last entry 4.30pm), on the hour and half hour.

storytime and book signing

On Sunday September 11, Oxford author and illustrator, Mini Grey, will be holding a storytime (suitable for 4-10 year olds) and reading from her latest book, Traction Man and the Beach Odyssey. She will also be signing books.

storytime: 12.00pm and 2pm (each session lasts 30-40 minutes)

book signing: 12.45-1.00pm and 2.45-4.00pm

Please note: the tour includes several flights of stairs and many of the areas are in a state of disrepair. There is disabled access to the courtyard, but not yet to the upper floors. Please call 01865 790050 if you have any queries concerning access.

Additional information on our building

Information on Oxford Open Doors

For a map and directions, click here.

Oxford Open Doors is organised by Oxford Preservation Trust in partnership with the University of Oxford and is part of Heritage Open Days.