A MULTI-million-pound facelift of Oxford's most eccentric museum has opened to the public.

The £8m extension to the Pitt Rivers Museum includes a new conservation laboratory, library, lecture theatre and facilities for visiting researchers.

This weekend visitors can see for free the hidden secrets behind the anthropology museum's more quirky exhibits.

Museum spokesman Karen White said: "People can see the new objects coming in, witness them being assessed and documented and see how they are taken care of.

"It's a glimpse at the working side of the museum and a rare opportunity to see the behind-the-scenes secrets and inner workings of the museum."

Children can be the first to enjoy the redevelopment by taking a look at its collection of samurai helmets, broadswords, armour and hunting weapons between 1pm and 4pm today.

From 1pm tomorrow there will be behind-the-scenes guided tours.

The museum, in Parks Road, which has announced Phase II of its development plan, has funded the refurbishment supported by donations from former Monty Python star Michael Palin, who inspected the project on Thursday, and a £1m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The project also includes an improved public entrance and restoration of the original galleries.

Original display cases will be returned to the front of the museum after more than 40 years. Space vacated by the cases will provide extra room for school and family activities.