Special exhibitions
Our temporary exhibitions are curated and created together with community groups, artists, and researchers. You can learn more about our community partnership work here.
A Way of Life: the people behind St Giles Fair
1 July – 28 September 2024
Every year, St Giles, a wide road in Oxford city centre, becomes a fairground for two days. Scores of local people enjoy the thrilling rides, games of skill, and booths offering food and drink.
St Giles Fair has happened every September for centuries, only pausing for a few years during World War Two. First documented in 1625, it began as a local parish feast, probably in the 12th century. It became a pleasure fair and a “great annual holiday for the working people of Oxfordshire” in the 1800s. The Fair remains a hugely popular event today, a uniquely local way to mark the seasons.
The fair wouldn’t exist without those who bring it to town: highly skilled artists, performers, and ride operators. Many of them belong to the little-known, distinct community of showmen and women: a traveling people united by trade, culture and a way of life.
This special photographic exhibition puts the spotlight on the people behind St Giles Fair.
Dates and opening hours
1 July to 28 September 2024, Museum of Oxford, Town Hall, St Aldates, Oxford OX1 1BX.
Open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. Admission by voluntary donation.
The Jukebox
Have fun with the jukebox where each postcard comes alive with images and sounds, telling a variety of stories from our city. Currently on display: “Alice in Oxford”, sharing the story of the real Alice behind the world-famous children’s book.
Digital exhibitions
Our digital exhibitions feature fantastic local stories. Go to our Digital Exhibitions website, or click on the images below to view our featured exhibitions.
