Pitt Rivers Museum

Founded in 1884 by General Augustas Pitt Rivers, the Pitt Rivers Museum is a massive old train station later converted to a museum. It gives great insight into the developments of British museum curating through the years. A unique museum, it is in many ways not what I expected. It includes thousands of artifacts collected, donated and in many cases pillaged by British explorers and travelers. Most of the items come from the americas and british commonwealth nations, exhibited in a somewhat random fashion by modern curating standards; the objects are arranged according to how they were used rather than by their age and origins. In the main hall there are many impressive dinosaur mounts  - not surprising considering that the first dinosaur (Megalosaurus) was discovered in Oxfordshire - additionally there are countless stuffed mammals and birds from all over the world. The place is a great reminder of the pros and cons of British global conquest and domination.  Pros being the education, civilization and in some cases increased wealth through trade brought by the empire. Cons being the imposing imperialism and often subjection of the native peoples, as well as massive destruction of habitat and extinction of species such as the Dodo bird (exhibited in the hall).  With free admission, it is a fun, educational and great place to go in Oxford.