23 Jun 08

The original entrance had a view of the Museum's Haida totem pole

People wishing to visit Oxford University’s Pitt Rivers Museum should do so quickly as the Museum will close its doors on Monday 7 July 2008 so work can begin on a project to improve access.

The closure marks the start of the second phase of the Museum’s development programme to improve its public and educational facilities. The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded £1m towards this £1.5m project, which is also supported by the Clore Duffield Foundation and other generous public and private donors.

The Museum has launched a fundraising drive to help raise the remaining sums needed to complete the project and is welcoming donations of all sizes.

During this phase the 1960s exhibition gallery at the entrance will be dismantled restoring the original view through to the Museum’s spectacular totem pole on the far wall. Display cases displaced to the first floor will be returned to the front of the Museum while the space upstairs will be converted for in-gallery education and to provide a local venue for popular family activities.

In addition to this, a new entrance platform will be constructed so visitors can enter the Pitt Rivers on the same level as the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. Wheelchair access will also be added and redesigned shop and reception areas will be located on the new entrance platform.

Finally, an environmental control system will be installed beneath the entrance platform to help preserve the Museum’s collections for the future.

In order to carry out this work it will be necessary to close all the public displays. It is anticipated the Museum will re-open in early Spring 2009. Throughout the work the Museum’s offices, research services and academic teaching facilities will continue to operate using the Museum’s South Entrance.

Michael O’Hanlon, the Museum’s Director, said: ‘This project will restore and greatly enhance the Museum’s entrance and we are deeply grateful to the funding bodies and generous individuals who have supported it.

‘We regret the inconvenience the temporary closure will cause any of the 200,000 visitors we receive annually. However, the Museum will re-open in 2009, with its entrance greatly improved and the Museum’s distinctive displays and treasured period atmosphere untouched.'

The Oxford University Museum of Natural History, in front of the Pitt Rivers Museum, will remain open to the public as usual.