Whether your child adores books or hasn't yet found the magic of reading, The Story Museum in Oxford is a game-changer. Prepare to witness a transformation in their love for stories that will leave you amazed.
Located in the centre of Oxford, the museum is split into two parts: "Small Worlds" for little ones aged 0-5, and "The Galleries" for kids 5 and up. You can visit one part or both, but you'll need separate tickets for each.
Visiting the Story Museum in Oxford was a delightful adventure for my family. Booking in advance was essential, and we made sure to arrive with plenty of time to spare, parking conveniently at the West Gate shopping Centre just a short 5-minute walk away.
Our journey commenced at the Portal, where the kids were handed magic wands and a challenge board, setting the stage for an immersive experience. With headphones on, we struck the gong and entered the enchanting world of stories.
The Whispering Wood - a mysterious indoor forest where every tree has a story to tell and a secret to reveal.
The Enchanted Library - a library like no other. Where else can you wander between the shelves and find yourself inside a story?
The Treasure Chamber - hosts touring exhibitions and visiting treasures.
The Brilli-ANT exhibition - find solutions to the environmental issues
City of Stories - offers a journey through a thousand years of Oxford's story history, from ancient myths to beloved children's classics enjoyed worldwide.
Small Worlds - a patchwork land of picture books, nursery rhymes and traditional tales for the very young.
The Whispering Wood - The Story Museum
Upon entering the museum, we were greeted warmly at the reception, where each child was given a special passport. These passports added an exciting touch, as they allowed the kids to choose a character and provided them with tasks to complete throughout the journey. With their character lanyards proudly displayed, we made our way to the start of our adventure.
Entering the Whispering Wood, we were immediately transported into a magical indoor forest. The atmosphere was mysterious yet inviting, with towering trees beckoning us to explore. Each tree held a unique tale to share, activated by pressing a button and listened to through provided headphones. It was truly enchanting to see my children's faces light up as they immersed themselves in these captivating stories from different eras.
Along the way, there were also engaging activities related to the tales, such as solving puzzles or attempting to pull a sword from a stone, adding an interactive element to the experience. The highlight for us was reaching the wishing tree, where we could tie ribbons and contemplate the power of our desires.
Overall, our time in the Whispering Wood lasted around 20-25 minutes, but it felt like we had stepped into a whole new world. My girls were thoroughly entertained, and as a mother, it was heartwarming to see them so engaged and enchanted by the magic of storytelling.
The Enchanted Library - The Story Museum
Begin your adventure in the Winnie the Pooh room, where you can play Pooh sticks and immerse yourself in the Hundred Acre Wood. Then, venture through a magical wardrobe into the enchanting realm of Narnia, where you can experience the thrill of walking through coats and discovering hidden treasures.
As you wander through the library, you'll find yourself transported to Horrid Henry's bed, where you can relax and soak in the fun atmosphere. But the magic doesn't end there – the Enchanted Library is filled with delightful surprises, including interactive elements that invite you to search for hidden items and engage with the stories in new and exciting ways.
Whether you're exploring the depths of Narnia or lounging in Horrid Henry's bed, the Enchanted Library promises an unforgettable experience for readers of all ages. Prepare to be captivated by the magic of storytelling as you journey through this enchanting space, where adventure and imagination await around every corner.
The Treasure Chamber
This is included as part of a Galleries ticket.
More details can be found here.
The Brilli-ANT
The Brilli-ANT exhibition at the Story Museum lets you step into the world of ants, facing environmental challenges together. Equipped with cardboard feelers, you explore a vibrant, recycled-material world filled with friendly insects offering valuable lessons on community and adaptation. While it's fun and informative, some visitors wish for more focus on industrial pollution's role. Overall, it's an engaging experience that leaves you pondering how to make a difference in your own backyard.
City of Stories
City of Stories offers a separately ticketed film experience lasting 25 minutes for ages 5 and upwards. Immerse yourself in tales such as Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, C S Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia, J R R Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, and Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials.
Small Worlds
If you have a child under 5, don't miss Small Worlds! It's full of fun story zones. You can go on a Bear Hunt, see Traction Man's under-sink world, chill in the Night Safe, ride the Story Bus, and watch Winnie and Wilbur's tiny theatre show. It's perfect for little ones!
Final Thoughts
As a mom of two energetic girls, aged 11 and 7, we've explored our fair share of museums over the years. From our experiences, I can confidently say that the Story Museum is truly exceptional. It's interactive, engaging, and sparks a love for reading in kids like no other place. However, I found the Story Museum website misleading, though this might just be my experience. When I went to explore the museum section, each part had a "buy tickets" button, but these are actually all included in the gallery ticket; you don't need to buy tickets separately.
Overall, I'd rate the Story Museum 4 out of 5 stars due to its high ticket price of £12 per person and the lack of a museum map (or at least I haven’t been given one nor could I find one at the location). In 2022 when we visited, tickets were £8 per person, but now they've increased to £12 per person. However, if you sign up for their newsletter, you might get lucky with discounts. For instance, this January 2024, they offered a 20% discount on general admission tickets.
Despite this, the Story Museum's interactive nature sets it apart from traditional museums like The Fitzwilliam Museum or The National Gallery. It ignites curiosity in children, even those who aren't keen on reading, by bringing stories to life. Whether it's exploring the Enchanted Library or diving into the City of Stories, every visit inspires a love for reading.
Don't forget to check out my other post about All About Junior Parkrun: Your Complete Guide.
If you've visited the Story Museum before, I'd love to hear about your experience in the comments below!