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The Story Museum's Latest News
'The Place is a gem' - The Story Museum is reviewed in Guardian series highlighting museums that engage children in the arts.
The Story Museum has been reviewed by art writer Chloë Ashby as part of 'Young at Art', her series published in The Guardian that explores 'the delights and dangers' of introducing small children to art in museums. She described The Story Museum as 'a gem'; 'Any museum that makes arts and culture accessible and fun for children should be celebrated,' she says. You can read the article here.
Malorie Blackman: 25 Years of Noughts & Crosses
The Story Museum is marking 25 years of Malorie Blackman’s ground breaking novel Noughts & Crosses, with the opening of a new story space inspired by the book, alongside a rare opportunity to hear from the author herself. On Monday 16th February, Malorie Blackman will be in conversation with Paterson Joseph and Dr Darren Chetty in an exclusive event at The Story Museum, in partnership with Penguin Random House.
In a special event taking place during the February half term break, Blackman, Joseph, and Chetty will explore the book’s lasting impact together. It is a story that many first encounter at school, yet one that continues to grow with its readers. From the page to stage, screen and graphic novels, Noughts & Crosses continues to spark big questions and meaningful discussion today.
In the Galleries, visitors will see a brand-new permanent story space housed within the museum’s Enchanted Library gallery. The new Noughts & Crosses themed space, which is inspired by the characters’ divided world, is created in collaboration with young people and artists from the Black Excellence Project and Kuumba Nia Arts, and lead artist Mohadeseh Rezaei. Visitors can interact with a specially designed game that illustrates social injustice, whilst reflecting on the shared hopes but differing world views of Sephy and Callum.
Malorie Blackman says: I am thrilled to be in conversation with the amazing Paterson Joseph, actor extraordinaire and author of ‘The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho,’ in an event chaired by lecturer and author Dr Darren Chetty. We will be discussing writing in general, our books in particular, and having a lot of fun along the way.’
Euton Daley MBE who worked with the Black Excellence Project and Kuumba Nia students says:
‘25 years on, the importance of Noughts & Crosses can’t be underestimated. As the question of Nationalism asserts itself with British flags raised on our streets, the Windrush scandal drags on and the daily headlines around migrants, immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Can we re-imagine a different world in which things are fairer, more just, equal?’
Conrad Bodman, CEO of The Story Museum says: ‘It is vital we keep discussions going among young people about equality. Noughts & Crosses marks a significant turning point, making a powerful impact to young adult literature. We are delighted to welcome Malorie, Paterson, and Dr Chetty to explore the novel, which kicks off our February half-term programme. The new themed space in our Enchanted Library will inspire those new to the story, whilst those who are more familiar will have a chance to reflect on its enduring influence.’
1001 Stories Launch
Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Story Museum has launched 1001 Stories, a brand new, free to access story resource for everyone.
Launching during the National Year of Reading, 1001 Stories serves as the digital treasure chest of The Story Museum, an ever-growing online collection celebrating the power of stories in all their forms. This exciting new digital resource for parents, carers and educators invites everyone to dive into the joy of stories, discover new writers and stories, and share the tales that shape who we are.
1001 Stories is an exciting new story-finding resource for educators, parents, and carers, showcasing The Story Museum’s collection of great stories to grow up with, as well as exclusive content. Alongside contemporary stories, you’ll also discover timeless classics like Alice in Wonderland, the Chronicles of Narnia, and other much-loved tales that have sparked imaginations for generations. Visitors can meet authors like Katherine Rundell, Joseph Coelho, Wendy Shearer, Caz Lester and more, who are all there to help you find story inspiration, whether it’s how to share poetry with children, or how to bring stories to life.
Head over to www.1001stories.co.uk and start exploring!
New Year Honour for Museum Board Member Brian Buchan
Brian Buchan, formerly Board Director of The Story Museum and Chair of their Finance Committee is now an MBE for services to charity and to the community in Oxfordshire.
Brian served as a Board Director of the Story Museum and Chair of the Finance Committee from 8 July 2015 to 18 July 2024. He oversaw the museum’s transformation and major redevelopment as well as its recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. Brian has generously supported several inspiring Learning and Participation projects at The Story Museum which increase creativity, literacy, and wellbeing for young people in Oxford.
Conrad Bodman, CEO of The Story Museum says: ‘I was delighted to hear the incredible news that Brian had been recognised for his work at The Story Museum and in the wider charitable sector. Brian has made a huge contribution to the growth of The Story Museum over many years and continues to be a much-valued supporter of the Museum.’
Brian Buchan MBE says: ‘I was very surprised but extremely flattered to receive the award. I assume it relates primarily to my support for the Story Museum and OXSRAD - where I held trustee roles for many years. Both deliver incredible benefits to many visitors and clients, but like many charities find the current environment tough. It’s been a privilege to be part of the teams that ensured that we achieved our goals despite the many challenges and I hope that others will check out our work and help us keep going into the future.’
Congratulations Brian!
Read the Oxford Mail Article Here
Media Requests
The Story Museum is always happy to provide expert and experienced spokespeople for press, TV and radio interviews on a wide range of issues related to our activities. We're also very happy to simply show you round our most unusual museum and answer any questions you may have.
The museum is also a great location for media filming and photo opportunities with a range of spaces and locations, as well as our amazing gallery spaces, so please get in touch with any queries. Email [email protected]
The Story Museum: One of the UK's quirkiest museums - The Telegraph
The Story Museum has been identified as one of the UK's quirkiest museums, according to The Telegraph. Among the other contenders is The Crab Museum in Margate, The British Lawnmower Museum, Museum of Childhood in Edinburgh and The Bubblecar Museum in Lincolnshire. You can find the article here.
