The Museum provides a uniquely inspirational atmosphere in which art students can explore an unrivalled collection of scientific instruments, many of which are beautifully crafted and exhibit an extraordinary range of materials and decorative detail. These include early time-keeping devices, clocks and sundials, globes and orreries, mechanical devices, a medical collection, cameras, and optical instruments such as microscopes, telescopes and the camera obscura.
English literature
The Museum has an extensive collection of scientific instruments and models, along with historical books and archive material, providing rich source material for creative writing and contextual studies.
Religious studies
The Museum’s collection provides a fascinating context through which to explore the relationship between science and religion: from the 16th-century debate over Copernicus’s new heliocentric model of the solar system and Galileo’s conflict with the Church of Rome, to controversies surrounding 18th-century Newtonianism and debates over natural theology. The Museum also has a fine collection of early Islamic instruments used for religious as well as scientific purposes, including astrolabes and Quibla indicators, and an extensive collection of objects relating to astronomy and time-keeping.
Study days
The Museum offers study days for Key Stages 2, 3, 4 and 5 in conjunction with the other museums, collections and academic departments of the University.
Young producers
Find out more about the Museum's Young Producers programme
Learning resources
Browse our list of learning resources for secondary schools.
Contact information and booking
Contact us
Chris Parkin, Lead Learning Officer Email: learning@hsm.ox.ac.uk Phone: +44 [0]1865 277 297
