The Museum of Oxford has now reopened after two years of closure and a £2.8m refurbishment.

The museum, which is next to Oxford Town Hall has been given a new look with fresh displays of objects, pictures oral histories and interactive exhibits.

It is the only museum in Oxford which is dedicated to telling the history of the city and its people.

Mary Clarkson, Oxford City Council's cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism said: “Among such an abundance of museums, the Museum of Oxford is significant in that it is the only one that is exclusively about the people of Oxford.

“The £2.8m major investment has helped re-imagine the museum for a new generation and makes it an important cultural focus for our city and communities. I look forward to seeing all sorts of people getting involved by going on family trails, taking part in reminiscence projects, understanding the past in school’s workshops, contributing to and exploring community exhibitions and more.

“It’s a museum for everyone, where everyone can take part.”

The refurbishment has tripled the size of the museum space and includes a new shop, reception desk, welcome area and improved facilities for the museum’s team of more than 100 volunteers.

The ground floor features two new galleries which will show the changing story of Oxford through its history and people, from Romans and Anglo-Saxons to the first Cowley factory workers.

The gallery also features a display on the infamous Cutteslowe Walls – which separated public and private housing in north Oxford – and items on the city’s rich heritage and industry.

Vanessa Lea, museum operations manager at the Museum of Oxford, said: “It is a great introduction to the city for both visitors and residents who may not know all of Oxford’s history.

“The museum covers the centre of the city and all the different estates in Oxford.”

Through the collection of items, video, audio and interactive displays, the exhibitions uncover what makes Oxford a special place to live, work and study.

The museum also includes new spaces for schools learning, larger gallery spaces for more collection items, interactive displays, community exhibitions and opportunities, family activities and reminiscence workshops.

Katy Hammond, museum project assistant at the Museum of Oxford, said: “We want this to be the heritage hub for the city.”

She said people would 'feel a connection to the museum and to the city’ as it ‘reflects the make-up of all residents’.