The Story Museum

We are not alone in recognising that stories make a positive impact on children, particularly those with fewer opportunities for cultural engagement. We are unusual in using stories of all forms – oral stories, books and plays for example – to support the cognitive, social and emotional development of children and young people. We believe that early and ongoing encounters with stories of all forms will enable a child to later meet their full potential.

In a city in which 26% of children live below the poverty line, The Story Museum has a lively and vibrant participation programme, working with priority schools, community groups and families where we can have an especially significant impact. All school visits to the Museum are heavily subsidised and we offer many free-to-access creative opportunities and courses at the Museum to help children and young people develop their skills. We also form year-long partnerships with local primary schools and family centres where we work with children, teachers and families to improve creativity, literacy and wellbeing. You can read more about all our community programmes here.

Support Team TSM so that we can continue to inspire young imaginations and foster a love of stories which we know improves life chances. Our Half Marathon runners will be raising money for The Story Museum to help us continue to enrich lives, especially young lives, through story. Please support the museum and its intrepid runners – and come along to see which storybook characters you can spot during the race! Donate to the team or individual runners, and cheer for us on the day of the Oxford Half Marathon! We’d love to see you in the crowd.

Why Stories?

The Story Museum is a most unusual museum in the heart of Oxford celebrating the power of stories to teach and delight. Our gallery and activity spaces encourage visitors of all ages to lose themselves in their imagination. Highlights include a Whispering Wood, an Enchanted Library and Small Worlds, a dedicated space for younger children. With the Woodshed, a 100-seat theatre, the Magic Common Room, a learning studio inspired by Hogwarts, and the Treasure Chamber, a temporary exhibition space, the Museum also offers a full programme of events including family storytelling shows, clubs, courses, workshops and schools sessions. Please visit our website for more information and details of museum/shop/café opening hours.