Oxford’s History of Science Museum granted planning and listed building consent

A new chapter for the oldest public museum building in the world.

The History of Science Museum at the University of Oxford - recognised as the world's first purpose-built public museum - has received planning permission and Listed Building consent for a transformative project that will secure its future for generations to come.

Completed in 1683 as the original home of the Ashmolean Museum, this Grade I listed building will be sensitively adapted to meet the needs of a modern museum, ensuring its continued relevance and accessibility for future generations.

The project was driven by the Museum’s wish to be fully inclusive and to ensure the building offers the highest standard of public amenities for a modern museum. The design will, for the first time, deliver equal access to all galleries via a carefully integrated new lift extension. A new welcome space at the Broad Street entrance will create an inviting first impression while accommodating essential modern facilities, all carefully introduced within the context of a building of outstanding historic significance.

As Architect and Heritage Consultant, we worked closely with stakeholders and consultees to deliver a thoughtful, intelligent design that meets the museum’s needs while preserving this highly significant Grade I listed building for the enjoyment of all visitors.

At the heart of the design is a glazed extension over the welcome space light well. Inspired by astronomical circles, the curving glass canopy creates an intriguing and welcoming entrance space.

The scheme also delivers enhanced facilities for staff and researchers, including a new studio space carefully positioned between the museum and a surviving stretch of Oxford’s medieval city wall. The Museum will provide improved spaces for the ongoing curation, conservation, and interpretation of the Museum’s extraordinary collection – which includes the world’s finest collection of astrolabes.

The project has been developed with extensive engagement with Oxford City Council, Historic England, and other statutory consultees to refine the proposals to ensure the design respects and celebrates the building’s unique heritage.

It has been a pleasure working with the team at the History of Science Museum to develop a proposal that will safeguard this globally significant museum while honouring its extraordinary building. Through sensitive interventions and inspired design, we are creating a museum that is fully accessible, welcoming, and equipped for the next chapter in its remarkable history.'

– Charlotte Robinson, Project Lead, Purcell

This transformation will provide world-class spaces for the reimagined display of the museum’s internationally important collection of scientific instruments, enhance opportunities for public learning and research, and ensure that the world’s oldest public museum continues to inspire curiosity for generations to come.

'Achieving Listed Building consent and planning permission to secure the future of our unique building as a fully accessible public museum is a dream come true for me personally, and potentially a blueprint for other Grade I listed heritage sites.

I am so very grateful to our project team and all the individuals and groups who have so patiently supported and guided us as critical friends. It is their belief in our plans, and their honest feedback at all stages that have enabled us to get to this point. I am immensely looking forward to developing the next stages of our project together.

The extraordinary Purcell team, led by Charlotte Robinson, have been an absolute joy to work with. Their professionalism, thorough understanding of the challenges, and creative responses, were crucial to us achieving Listed Building consent and planning permission.'

– Dr Silke Ackermann, Director of the History of Science Museum

Oxford’s History of Science Museum granted planning and listed building consent

A new chapter for the oldest public museum building in the world.

The History of Science Museum at the University of Oxford - recognised as the world's first purpose-built public museum - has received planning permission and Listed Building consent for a transformative project that will secure its future for generations to come.

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