The side of a yellow building with painted white writing reading 'Welcome to the sunny side of Oxford'.

Ronnie Barker: Oxford’s Comedy Legend

11 January – 19 April 2025

Ronnie Barker: From Local Lad to TV Icon

This exhibition celebrates the life and career of Ronnie Barker (1929-2005). Ronnie grew up in Cowley, and began his career at the Oxford Playhouse. Through numerous original scripts, programmes, and photographs, as well as two very special hats, this exhibition shines a light on Ronnie’s journey from local lad to national icon.

Oxford’s Comedy Scene: From Past to Present

Oxford has an esteemed comedy history, launching the likes of Maggie Smith, Alan Bennett, Michael Palin, Rowan Atkinson, Miriam Margolyes and Sophie Duker, to name a few alongside Ronnie Barker. This exhibition puts the spotlight on the venues across Oxford that have enabled these past success stories and are now inspiring new ones.

Dates and opening hours

11 January – 19 April 2025, Museum of Oxford, Town Hall, St Aldates, Oxford OX1 1BX.

Open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. Exhibition entry is included in general admission to the Museum of Oxford, by an optional pay-what-you-can donation. Find out more on our Plan Your Visit page.

Ronnie Barker Exhibition Poster

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.