Plans to renovate the Oxford History of Science Museum have been officially announced, following planning permission being granted. Built in 1683, it is the oldest building in the world designed to house a public scientific museum. The objective of the project is to make everything more accessible.
Approval by Oxford City Council and Historic England marks a major milestone, validating the transformation of the heritage site. Due to the classification of the site, the project required in-depth consultation between heritage institutions, municipal authorities and specialist consultants.
Entrance to the Oxford Museum of the History of Science.
A glazed extension is planned on Broad Street to create a level entrance and remove the steps added subsequently. Two elevators serving all levels will also be installed. The project will also involve the modernization of technical equipment, the overhaul of the museography and the renovation of spaces reserved for staff. The project is led by the University of Oxford, in partnership with Historic England and the Oxford Preservation Trust.
Opened in 1924 in its current form, the museum occupies the former Ashmolean Museum building and preserves some 30,000 scientific instruments and objects: astrolabes, dials, microscopes, from various cultures and periods. The majority were donated by businessman and collector Lewis Evans to Oxford University on the condition that they be exhibited to the public.
