SPRING NEWSLETTER

Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Here at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, the arrival of spring never fails to energise and inspire us. Whether it is the brilliant bloom of daffodils, or the crisp chirp of great tits — it is during these periods of seasonal transition that nature appears at her most magnificent.

So why not celebrate the arrival of spring with a visit to our galleries? As always, we have a packed programme of family activities and evening events to keep you entertained over the coming months...

WHAT'S ON

AGE OF NATURE

25 March 14:00 - 16:00
FREE

Join us for Age of Nature, a social group for older people that goes behind-the-scenes to investigate the sometimes hidden stories of the Museum.

FUTURE OF OUR LANDSCAPE

6 April 19:00 - 20:00
FREE - Booking required

With an increasing desire to protect our natural environment, rewilding efforts in the UK are on the rise. Join us for a panel discussion to learn about rewilding, whilst surrounded by stunning artwork from Kurt Jackson.

Exhibition: BIODIVERSITY

Until 15 May
FREE

Bringing together the celebrated art of Kurt Jackson with reflections from Oxford University researchers, this new exhibition explores Biritsh biodiversity and considers the future of our country's habitats.

SCIENCE SATURDAYS

30 April, 7, 14, 21 & 28 May
FREE

Meet scientists to investigate real natural history specimens from the collection. Ages 8+. Drop in, no booking required. Free event.

EARTH: A BIOGRAPHY OF LIFE

22 April, 18:00 - 19:00
FREE - Booking Required

Join geologist and author Dr Elsa Panciroli for the launch of her new book, taking us on a journey through deep time to reveal the interconnectedness of our planet through fossils, rocks, and living organisms.

EGGSTRAORDINARY EASTER EGGVENTURE

9-24 April
FREE

Eggsplore the Museum with an eggciting family trail! Spot the eggs around the Museum and check out some of our eggcellent Easter-themed specimens!

DRAWN TO NATURE

29 April
Tickets £5 inc. materials

Come along to an evening of science and art inspired by our Biodiversity exhibition. Meet researchers from across the University of Oxford and sketch the specimens and landscapes featured in the exhibition.

ALL ABOUT BUGS

11 and 12 April, 13:00-16:00
Free

Join in with crafts and specimen handling to find out more about the life of bugs. Drop-in, no need to book!

CYANOTYPE WORKSHOP

30 April
Tickets £40 inc. materials

In this two-part workshop you'll find out more about what biodiversity is, and discover how to illustrate biodiversity by producing your own cyanotype prints under the expert tuition of local artist, Claire Francis.

All Museum Events

SAVE THE DATE: Back by popular demand! We are co-hosting an insect-themed Late Night on 27th May with the Pitt Rivers... more details to follow!

The Museum's British Insect Collection represents all insect groups found on our home soil. From butterflies to beetles and bees, and even flies and fleas – the Collection is ‘Designated’ by Arts Council England as being of national and international importance.

Spanning almost the entire history of British entomology, OUMNH's British Insect Collection represents extensive information on the biodiversity of Britain and documents how it has changed during and after the Industrial Revolution. The Collection is also home to many examples of the first British capture of certain insect species, including some unique specimens.

You can help us to protect and share our British Insect Collection by donating to the HOPE Appeal.

HOPE also provides online learning resources, a 'Crunchy on the Outside' blog, and a range of family-friendly events like Insects Under the Lens and the 'Beasties or Besties?' Show.

Thanks to Lottery Players and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Donate Now

LUNGFISH, LITHOGRAPHS AND LIBEL

"In addition to the many thousands of biological specimens that can be found at Oxford University Museum of Natural History, we also possess a variety of objects that originate from historical versions of the Museum’s displays. These include models, casts, and illustrations of various kinds, used to represent organisms that were otherwise difficult to preserve and display. [...] One surviving piece of ex-display material, which catches my eye almost daily as it sits in my office, is a rather large pair of illustrations showing a South American and a West African lungfish mounted on a black backing board."

Mark Carnall is a Collections Manager at OUMNH. Recently, he uncovered the surprising history behind two drawings of lungfish he found in his office at the Museum. Read full blog post.

And don't forget to subscribe to morethanadodo.com for more fascinating stories like these!

The Museum is available for private hire! Our events team can help you host conferences, dinners and more in our impressive array of spaces. More information on venue hire