Pitt Rivers Behind the Scenes

Access restricted storage areas and handle real anthropological artifacts in this intimate tour limited to 12 people. The Pitt Rivers Museum houses 500,000+ objects from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. Behind-the-scenes tours allow you to see objects not on public display and examine them closely under expert supervision. This is the only way to interact with the collection hands-on. Best for anthropology enthusiasts and curious minds. This is a easy activity lasting 1.5 hours. Group size: Max 12. You meet at Museum reception desk. Key highlights: Handle real anthropological artifacts under expert supervision, Access restricted storage areas not shown on public tours, Learn conservation and archival methods firsthand.

Price: £12

Duration: 1.5 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: Max 12

Minimum age: 8+

Best for: anthropology enthusiasts and curious minds

Best time: Book in advance. Tours run on a monthly rotating schedule. January to March typically have shorter wait times. Avoid school holidays and weekends for smaller group experience.

Meeting point: Museum reception desk

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

0-10 min Meet curator at reception and receive handling guidelines - Specialist explains conservation protocols, safe handling techniques, and the day's artifact themes.

10-25 min Visit storage room and examine textiles or ceramics collection - View items stored in archival conditions and learn about conservation storage methods.

25-40 min Handle selected artifacts with curator supervision - Touch and examine real objects such as masks, tools, or ceremonial items while learning their provenance.

40-55 min Move to second storage area or explore specific geographic collection - Tour focuses on a different culture or time period, such as Pacific Islander or Pre-Columbian artifacts.

55-90 min Final artifact handling and curator discussion - Group discusses collection themes and curator answers detailed anthropological questions.

The whole experience takes 1.5 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Museum reception desk.

• Handle real anthropological artifacts under expert supervision
• Access restricted storage areas not shown on public tours
• Learn conservation and archival methods firsthand
• One-on-one discussion with museum curators
• See 500,000+ object collection stored across multiple facilities
• Accessibility: Storage areas may have limited wheelchair access. Some areas involve stairs or tight spaces. Contact museum in advance to discuss accessibility needs.

What is included: Expert curator-led tour, Hands-on artifact handling, Access to restricted storage areas, Conservation and provenance information.

Not included: Museum general admission (free but separate), Photographs of artifacts, Transportation to storage facilities. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Clean hands (wash provided), Notepad for notes, No jewellery that could scratch artifacts, Comfortable footwear. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Book in advance. Tours run on a monthly rotating schedule. January to March typically have shorter wait times. Avoid school holidays and weekends for smaller group experience..

Tip: Limited to 12 people per tour

Tip: Monthly schedule varies

Accessibility: Storage areas may have limited wheelchair access. Some areas involve stairs or tight spaces. Contact museum in advance to discuss accessibility needs..

Operator: Pitt Rivers Museum | Book directly (opens in new tab) | Phone: +44 1865 270927

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• University Parks (2 min walk)
• Ashmolean Museum (12 min walk)
• Bodleian Library (14 min walk)

This activity is run by Pitt Rivers Museum.

Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 7 days before tour. Tours cancelled within 7 days are non-refundable. Weather or curator availability may cause cancellations with full refund..

Accessibility: Storage areas may have limited wheelchair access. Some areas involve stairs or tight spaces. Contact museum in advance to discuss accessibility needs..

Best time to go: Book in advance. Tours run on a monthly rotating schedule. January to March typically have shorter wait times. Avoid school holidays and weekends for smaller group experience..

Can I photograph the artifacts during the behind-the-scenes tour?

Photography of collection objects is not permitted to protect artifacts and respect cultural sensitivities. Take notes or use memory to recall objects. The museum shop sells postcards of collection highlights if you want images.

How often does the behind-the-scenes tour schedule change?

The Pitt Rivers rotates tour themes and dates monthly to cover different collections. Check the museum website or call ahead to see current available dates. Tours often book out 4-6 weeks in advance during peak season.

What's the age requirement for handling artifacts on the tour?

Children ages 8 and above can attend and handle artifacts under close supervision. Younger children can join but may not handle fragile items. Discuss your child's maturity level with the curator when booking.