Pitt Rivers Museum

We slept well and managed a light breakfast before heading off in the rain to Oxford. Our plan to park in the Pear Tree park & ride was ideal and we were soon on the bus into the centre of Oxford. First stop was at the TIC and they pointed out our destination on a map we were buying - in fact, Pitt Rivers Museum was just beyond the edge of this map, but near enough! So off we set along the route and soon arrived at the Natural History Museum which has the Pitt Rivers Museum at its rear. We were glad to get inside as it was very cold and damp outside. Lots of families were visiting the Natural History Museum, and the children were really enjoying the dinosaur skeletons on display in the light and airy glass roofed atrium.

We gradually made our way to the back and walked though the arched doorway into Pitt Rivers. It is breathtaking as you walk in as there is a panoramic view across the main floor, down ten on so steps. Display cases are crowded in below you and it is clear that they are crammed full of exhibits, all arranged by type and begging to be explored. It is just a matter of looking and noting what you are seeing, and trying not to wander in circles, but one case leads to another and everything is fascinating. 

We were having a wonderful time, when the 

urge for coffee became too great for A. But there is no cafe in PR, so we had directions from the lady in the shop, and went off to find a cafe. Across the road by the church we discovered a Maison Blanc and inside we were lucky to find a table and soon ordered coffee and sandwiches. The place was buzzing and people obviously enjoyed the experience, complete with the weekend newspapers.

 At last we were back at the museum and elected to view the exhibition - which included a coffin made by an African craftsman who makes coffins depicting anything the deceased or their family decide would be appropriate. The coffin on display was for a shopkeeper and featured panels with advertisements for the things sold in the shop. Other coffins included planes, boats, cars etc. After this we went to the upper floors, which consist of two deep galleries with views down to the ground floor and across the atrium; all filled with display cases; all stuffed with exhibits. It is an amazing place and has to be seen to appreciate the experience.




So, we had to leave and get back, reversing our bus ride to the P&R, then wending our way down the A roads and home. We watched highlights of the Royal Pageant and realised that the cold, wet weather seemed to have been everywhere - what a shame for the celebrations.

Pitt Rivers Museum