Modern Art Oxford
Cutting-edge contemporary art exhibitions in a well-designed, accessible gallery with free entry.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Modern Art Oxford
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Cutting-edge contemporary art exhibitions in a well-designed, accessible gallery with free entry.
"One of my favourite places to see contemporary art. The exhibitions are always very well curated and somehow surprising."
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy cutting-edge contemporary art without an entry fee. A great value for art enthusiasts!
📸 Check Exhibition Schedule
Exhibitions rotate; verify current shows online to maximize your visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Belkis Ayón Exhibition
Upstairs Galleries
Fascinating retrospective of the Cuban artist's bold and brilliant works, a truly memorable experience.
Suzanne Treister: Prophetic Dreaming
Main Galleries
Astonishing show exploring cybernetics, tarot, and environmental art; a lot to digest and contemplate.
Creative Space & Open Studio
Ground Floor
Interactive and creative space, perfect for sketching, relaxing, or engaging with family-friendly exhibits.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Big Impact
Check Exhibition Dates
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy cutting-edge contemporary art without an entry fee. A great value for art enthusiasts! +1
📸 Check Exhibition Schedule
Exhibitions rotate; verify current shows online to maximize your visit.
☕ Relax in the Cafe
Grab a coffee and a bite after your art immersion.
🛍️ Explore the Museum Shop
Discover unique pieces from featured artists and local makers.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy cutting-edge contemporary art without an entry fee. A great value for art enthusiasts! +1
📸 Check Exhibition Schedule
Exhibitions rotate; verify current shows online to maximize your visit.
☕ Relax in the Cafe
Grab a coffee and a bite after your art immersion.
🛍️ Explore the Museum Shop
Discover unique pieces from featured artists and local makers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Modern Art Oxford for its high-quality, surprising, and socially engaged contemporary art exhibitions, all offered with free admission. The well-designed space and interactive creative areas are also frequently highlighted as positive aspects. Some visitors note that the gallery is relatively small, but this is often outweighed by the impact of the curated shows.
"One of my favourite places to see contemporary art. The exhibitions are always very well curated and somehow surprising, presenting art that deserves more attention, it is on the way up, is well researched, and is socially engaged. I totally love it to bits ❤️"
Paula Terra-Arte
"Great display and interactive/creative space. Walk through the museum shop to ground floor exhibit showing works based on a group of muslim mothers and children from Oxford - Back to Oneness. Barbara Steveni exhibit on the 1st floor. Steveni helped set up an artists collective that got artists to go and work within commercial and public organisations.
Free entry.
Not very busy."
Arfar Choudhury
"Went for the Belkis Ayón show. By far, my most memorable experience in Oxford. Few things beat seeing great art for free :). The place also has an open studio to sit, sketch or just relax."
Keith Mathe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Modern Art Oxford is centrally located in the city. Many visitors arrive by foot from Oxford city centre. Oxford has a comprehensive bus network, and the nearest major bus stops are a short walk away. If arriving by train, it's a pleasant 15-20 minute walk from Oxford train station.
On-street parking is limited in the city centre. It's recommended to use one of Oxford's Park & Ride services or city centre car parks, such as the Westgate Car Park, which is a short walk from the gallery.
Yes, cycling is a popular way to get around Oxford. There are bike racks available in the city centre, though specific racks directly at the gallery may be limited.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Modern Art Oxford is completely free! This makes it an accessible and popular destination for experiencing contemporary art. +1
Opening hours can vary depending on the exhibition and day of the week. It's best to check the official Modern Art Oxford website for the most up-to-date information on their opening times before your visit.
As admission is free, booking tickets in advance is generally not required. However, for special events or talks, it's advisable to check if pre-booking is recommended or necessary.
Modern Art Oxford hosts a dynamic program of exhibitions featuring international modern and contemporary artists. Past highlights include the Belkis Ayón show and Suzanne Treister's 'Prophetic Dreaming'. Always check their website for current and upcoming exhibitions. +1
🎫 compass Onsite Experience
Modern Art Oxford showcases cutting-edge exhibitions of international modern and contemporary visual art. They also feature a creative space, an open studio for sketching, and a museum shop.
Yes, they often have interactive and creative spaces that are engaging for children. The 'Back to Oneness' exhibit featuring Muslim mothers and children was highlighted as a positive experience.
Photography policies can vary by exhibition. It's best to look for signage within the galleries or ask a member of staff if photography is permitted.
Yes, Modern Art Oxford has an upbeat cafe where visitors can enjoy refreshments.
The creative space is an area designed for hands-on engagement, often featuring interactive elements or activities related to the current exhibitions. It's a great spot for visitors of all ages to explore their creativity.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can differ for each exhibition. Look for signs in the galleries or ask staff for guidance on whether you can capture images.
While photography might be restricted in exhibition spaces, the gallery's architecture and the museum shop often provide visually interesting backdrops. The 'creative space' can also be a fun spot for photos.
Modern Art Oxford has previously hosted photography-related events, such as the Photo Oxford Open Call, with winners exhibited at the gallery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider checking the gallery's website for any family-specific events or workshops that might be running during your visit. The cafe also provides a convenient spot for a break, and the museum shop offers unique items that might appeal to children.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts on a Budget
To make the most of your visit, check the exhibition schedule online beforehand to align your visit with shows that particularly interest you.
After exploring the galleries, you can enjoy an affordable coffee at the cafe or browse the unique items in the museum shop. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Contemporary Art at MAO
The approach at MAO is to present art in an accessible and inviting manner, making it enjoyable for both seasoned art enthusiasts and those new to contemporary art. The space itself is well-designed, contributing to a positive viewing experience. Whether it's a retrospective of a significant artist like Belkis Ayón or a thematic exploration, MAO aims to offer a fresh perspective on the art world.
Beyond the main exhibition spaces, MAO also fosters a sense of community and creativity. The 'creative space' and open studio areas provide opportunities for visitors to engage more deeply with art, whether through sketching, interactive displays, or simply relaxing. This multi-faceted approach ensures that a visit to Modern Art Oxford is more than just viewing art; it's an immersive and enriching experience.
The MAO Experience: Beyond the Galleries
The museum shop is another highlight, offering a curated selection of interesting pieces, including works by featured artists and items from local makers. It's a great place to find unique souvenirs or gifts.
The gallery also emphasizes interactive elements, with a 'creative space' and mini sensory room that are particularly engaging for families and those looking for a more hands-on experience. MAO also plays a role in the wider arts community. They have collaborated with other organizations, such as DEPOT Oxford, to present limited editions by prominent artists, and have been a venue for community events like the Indie Oxford Christmas Meet Up, showcasing their commitment to supporting local creatives and fostering a vibrant arts scene.
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