Staff ready to reopen Oxford's Story Museum a third time

From May 22, visitors will be able to explore story destinations as varied as the Hundred Acre Wood, Narnia and Wonderland, all under one roof.

This is the third time the Pembroke Street venue has reopened its doors since the original relaunch in April 2020 following a £6m redevelopment.

Having managed to open the galleries for just 9 days in October 2020 and 10 days in December 2020, staff are hoping this time the doors will be staying open.

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The redevelopment saw the museum completely transformed, offering four different gallery spaces for visitors to explore including The Whispering Wood, Enchanted Library, Treasure Chamber and Small Worlds.

The courtyard at The Story Museum

The museum will be reopening with limited ticket numbers, and social distancing in place at all events and exhibitions.

As Covid-19 restrictions are further eased, more tickets will be released to allow the museum to welcome visitors in greater numbers.

Time for Bed story sessions at the museum Picture: Andrew Walmsley

The museum’s £6m campaign to transform the site into a major new centre for stories has welcomed a number of significant grants, including support from Arts Council England, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Wolfson Foundation, the Foyle Foundation, with investment from the Arts Impact Fund through Nesta Arts & Culture Finance and donations from generous individuals.

The gift shop at The Story Museum

The museum’s work is also supported by the Garfield Weston Foundation, The Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and Oxford City Council.

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Funding from Arts Council England’s Emergency Response Fund, the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund and a number of other funders over the past 12 months has been vital in helping the museum survive a 70% reduction in income.