A Story in Stone: The Geology of the Oxford University Museum of Natural History Building

Written by Nina Morgan and Philip Powell

The Oxford University Museum of Natural History is celebrated as one of the most important Gothic revival buildings of the 19th century. The stated goal of the building was to teach science. Its design was based on the idea that, "no ornament should be employed which had no significance with reference to the object of the building."

Geology played a key role in achieving this. The 127 polished stone columns, composed of a wide range of British and Irish rocks, are among the most striking features of the Museum interior – and in geological terms the most instructive. But there are many other geological features to explore too.

A Story in Stone highlights the geology on show throughout this iconic building, and provides an introduction to geology that anyone can enjoy.