Museum of Oxford to restore free entry for city residents

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 06:08 · Archive

The Museum of Oxford will reinstate free admission for city residents from January 2027, a year after introducing charges.

Oxford City Council, which runs the Museum of Oxford, approved charging admission fees for the first time in the institution's history in October 2025, implementing them from January 2026 to help address a budget shortfall.

A business plan now proposes reinstating free entry for city residents from January 2027. The scheme will be piloted from January 4 until March 31 for visitors who can prove Oxford residency, after which it could become permanent through the council's budget-setting process. City council officers have recommended approval.

Paula Redway, the council's culture and community development manager, said that following the introduction of entry fees, 'donations did plummet'. She explained that the council needs to balance generating revenue through donations with making the museum accessible to residents, noting there is 'a massive amount of support and love for the museum' in the community.

The proposal was debated at a scrutiny committee meeting on 13 October and is scheduled for a cabinet vote the following week.

How it is being reported

• Plans to make Oxford museum entry free again for city residentsThe Museum of Oxford is set to reinstate free entry for some visitors in 2027 after a controversial decision to start charging.Oxford Mail · 16 Oct, 05:00
• Plans to make Oxford museum entry free again for city residentsThe Museum of Oxford is set to reinstate free entry for some visitors in 2027 after a controversial decision to start charging.Oxfordshire Guardian · 16 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Museum of Oxford · Oxford City Council · Paula Redway · Oxford

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