Guide to the Oxford University Press Museum

One of the best hidden gems to tour in Oxford, England is the Oxford University Press Museum. Home of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), this intimate experience is free and comes with a personal historian tour guide. Other cool things to see and do include an early edition of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, 17^th and 19^th century printing presses, historical printing displays, and fun historical facts from the 15^th century to today.

The Oxford University Press Museum is just one of the best things to do in Oxford, England. See my related series of posts on the top experiences in Oxford and England.

• Itinerary of the top things to do in Oxford, England
• Guide to Oxford Castle and Prison in Oxford, England
• List of the top things to do in London, England
• Top scenic and historic day trips from London, England
• Four of the prettiest villages in The Cotswolds, England
• Guide to the historic Bletchley Park in Milton Keynes, England

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Best free museums in Oxford, England – Oxford University Press

I first fell in love with the Oxford English Dictionary (aka OED) when I was a non-traditional student at the University of Vermont. An etymology lover, I would peruse the many volumes of the OED between classes when I didn’t have homework. Yes, I read the dictionary for fun.

But the Oxford English Dictionary is not your average dictionary. It is THE dictionary that features the entire history of more than 600,000 words in the English language dating back 1,000 years. Of course, you can purchase a more condensed two-volume set of the Oxford English Dictionary.

My primary reason for taking this free tour of the Oxford University Press Museum was to learn more about the Oxford English Dictionary. However, I learned so much more about the five centuries of printing and publishing history at the Oxford University Press Museum. The Oxford University Press was also known as The Clarendon Press.

I get it that this tour may not be for everyone, but if you love etymology, the history of words, history in general, printing and publishing, and off-the-beaten-path museums, then I highly recommend the free Oxford University Press Museum tour.

Fun facts about the Oxford University Press

Here’s a list of a few fun facts about the Oxford University Press.

• While the Oxford University Press was founded in 1586, the University actually printed its first book in 1478. That’s just a couple of years after William Caxton invented the first printing press. Previously, books were handwritten in manuscripts (manually written).
• Oxford University Press is the largest university press in the world.
• In 1865, Charles Dodgson – an Oxford scholar and teacher known by his more familiar pseudonym Lewis Carroll – asked the Oxford University Press to print his new book, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. You can learn the story of how the Oxford University Press botched the first printing and had to recall all copies. On display is an 1866 copy after unbound copies of Oxford’s printing of the story were sold to a New York publisher for the American audience.
• The Oxford University Press agreed to publish a new dictionary of English in 1859 – initially called The New English Dictionary, which later became the Oxford English Dictionary.
• It was estimated that this new dictionary of unregistered words in English would take 10 years. But it took nearly 50 years. In fact, it took five years just to publish the first installment that only went through the word ant.
• That first part, or fascicle, was published in 1884.
• The final part – 10 volumes – was published 44 years later in 1928.
• Eventually, the Oxford English Dictionary evolved into 20 volumes in 1989.
• Recognizing it was cost-prohibitive and unsustainable to continue reprinting all volumes of the Oxford English Dictionary as it is considered a living document, the OED went online in 2000.
• You can find the definitions and usages of more than 600,000 words in the English language that date back 1,000 years in the OED.
• Dictionary slips, 6” x 4” slips of paper, which provided the content for the OED, are all archived since 1867. These hand-written slips include definitions, etymologies, and historical usages.
• The Oxford University Press supported WWII efforts by printing top secret Allied naval code books.
• Oxford University Press doesn’t actually do any printing onsite anymore. The University now outsources the printing. However, they do publish more than 6,000 titles and more than 110 million units a year worldwide.

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What’s the difference between publishing and printing?

Printing means the actual production while publishing means selling.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Oxford University Press Museum in Oxford, England

Here are a few frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Oxford University Press Museum in Oxford, England.

What is the Oxford University Press Museum known for?

The main points of interest at the Oxford University Press Museum include:

• Centuries of printing and publishing history – from the 1400s through today
• An early edition of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and the printing plate for The Mouse’s Tail on display
• Home of the 600,000-word Oxford English Dictionary – and unique archived history dating back to its inception in 1867
• First edition of volume 1 of The Complete Works of Geoffrey Chaucer, published in 1894
• Printing presses from the 17^th and 19^th centuries
• Cool displays demonstrating typesetting, facts and figures, pigeonholes that stored paper dictionary slips of all the research done on every word
• Fun facts and timelines of the Oxford English Dictionary

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Where is the Oxford University Press Museum located?

The museum is located within the main Oxford University Press offices on Great Clarendon Street, Oxford, OX2 6DP. Use this entrance to check in at the main reception desk rather than the front entrance on Walton Street.

Is the Oxford University Press Museum wheelchair-accessible?

Yes, the Oxford University Press Museum is wheelchair-accessible. However, the main entrance to access the reception area and the Oxford University Press Museum features a flight of exterior stairs (pictured above). You can notify the Oxford University Press in advance if you require step-free access via the inquiry form on their website.

Is the Oxford University Press part of Oxford University?

Yes, the Oxford University Press is a department of Oxford University.

Is there parking at Oxford University Press Museum?

Parking throughout Oxford is limited and very expensive. Thankfully, Oxford is a very walkable city or you can use public transportation or take an Uber to the Oxford University Press Museum.

Where can I purchase tickets for Oxford University Press Museum? Does Oxford University Press Museum cost anything?

You can only book guided tours of the Oxford University Press Museum online via their website with a minimum of one-day advanced notice. The Oxford University Press Museum is free.

What are the hours for the Oxford University Press Museum?

The Oxford University Press Museum in Oxford, England is open every Monday through Friday except Bank Holidays. Tour start times are 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Additionally, the museum closes mid-December through the first full week in January.

How long does it take to tour the Oxford University Press Museum?

The Oxford University Press Museum is small and the guided tour takes an average of 50 minutes. Although small, you’ll learn a lot of intriguing history.

How big are the tour groups at the Oxford University Press Museum?

The tours at Oxford University Press Museum can accommodate up to 20 people (typically school groups). I was the only person scheduled for a tour when I visited the Oxford University Press Museum.

Are the tours of the Oxford University Press Museum self-guided?

Your booked tour includes a guided tour of the Oxford University Press Museum. Please note that the tour does not include any other areas of the site.

Can you take photos in Oxford University Press Museum?

Yes, you can take photos and record videos at the Oxford University Press Museum. However, always ask first because they do display some rare exhibits. Additionally, flash photography is typically forbidden in most museums to protect the integrity of its historical contents.

Does Oxford University Press Museum have a restaurant?

No, the Oxford University Press Museum does not have a restaurant. However, there are several dining options nearby.

Are there public restrooms at the Oxford University Press Museum?

Yes, a public restroom is available at the Oxford University Press Museum. Check in at the front desk for directions as the Oxford University Press is an operational business.

Does the Oxford University Press Museum have a gift shop?

No, the Oxford University Press Museum does not have a gift shop.

What other attractions are located near / nearby the Oxford University Press Museum in Oxford, England?

See my related post: Itinerary of the top things to do in Oxford, England. I actually toured the Oxford Castle and Prison in Oxford, England in the afternoon. That attraction is just over a half-mile if you’re walking – about a mile if driving. See my related post: Guide to Oxford Castle and Prison in Oxford, England.

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