Ashmolean Museum

Oxford

Type:Museum

Beaumont Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 2PH

Tel: +44 01865 278000

Ashmolean Museum

About

One of the world's leading museums, the Ashmolean in Oxford, has reopened following a major £61 million redevelopment. The project has been funded with a £15 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). Additional major support has been received from the Linbury Trust, along with numerous trusts, foundations and individuals.

The new building, designed by award-winning Rick Mather Architects, provides the Ashmolean with 100% more display space. Located to the north of Charles Cockerell's original Museum built in 1845, it comprises 39 new galleries, including four temporary exhibition galleries, a new education centre, state-of-the-art conservation studios, and Oxford's first rooftop restaurant.

An innovative approach to displaying the collections, Crossing Cultures Crossing Time, has transform the way visitors experience the Ashmolean's rare and beautiful objects. Each object's story will be traced as a journey of of ideas and influences across time and continents, enabling visitors to discover how civilisations developed as part of an interrelated world culture.

Themed galleries explore the connections between objects and activities common to different cultures, such as money, reading and writing, and the representation of the human image. Entire floors of galleries will be arranged chronologically, charting the development of the ancient and modern worlds. Crossing Cultures Crossing Time will highlight the strengths of the Museum's collections, and create a first-class educational environment.

Founded in 1683, the Ashmolean is the most important museum of art and archaeology in the heart of Britain. The collections span the civilisations of east and west, charting the aspirations of mankind from the Neolithic era to the present day. Among its treasures are the world's largest group of Raphael drawings, the most important collection of pre-Dynastic Egyptian material in Europe, the only great Minoan collection in Britain, the greatest Anglo-Saxon collections beyond the British Museum, and the foremost collection of modern Chinese art in the Western world.

The Ashmolean is a teaching and research department of the University of Oxford. It produces research and publications of the highest standard in the academic fields of art history, history and archaeology. The Museum has always placed significant emphasis on education, not just serving as a resource for scholars but seeking to awaken a keen interest in all our visitors. With improved displays and new facilities, the new Ashmolean building will enable us to fulfill this role far more effectively than ever before.

Book Tickets

TripAdvisor

Map & Directions

Road Directions

Road Nearest major road is A40. Situated in centre of Oxford.

Public Transport Nearest station is Oxford. From the station turn left, walk up Hythe Bridge Street, cross over the bridge, turn left up Worcester Street, turn right into Beaumont Street. The museum is at the end on the left.

What's Nearby

  1. Bainton Bikes

    Oxford, famous for its Universities and the dreaming spires is home to one of Britain’s…

    0.24 miles away
  2. Oxford Playhouse

    Oxford Playhouse and its Burton Taylor Studio present and produce a wide range of live…

    0.26 miles away
  3. Vintage Days Out

    Crafting the perfect day out - Enjoy a unique experience enjoying truly elegant travel.

    0.29 miles away
  1. New Theatre Oxford

    The New Theatre, Oxford, is owned by The Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) who are the…

    0.32 miles away
  2. Oxford University Museum of Natural History

    The Oxford University Museum of Natural History is a museum displaying many of the…

    0.31 miles away
  3. Oxford Official Guided Walking Tours

    Our Official Guided Walking Tours are an enjoyable and interesting way to explore our…

    0.36 miles away
  4. Saint Michael at the North Gate Saxon Tower

    Oxford's oldest building, boasting the oldest stained glass in Oxford. Associated with…

    0.37 miles away
  5. Footprints Tours

    Footprints Tours is a student start-up company, created to show a more fun side of Oxford…

    0.42 miles away
  6. Sheldonian Theatre

    Secular venue for the principal meetings & public ceremonies of the university.

    0.43 miles away
  7. Museum of the History of Science

    Displays include scientific instruments, fine Islamic and European astrolabes, early…

    0.43 miles away
  8. Bodleian Libraries

    The Bodleian is a working library & part of the University of Oxford. It is housed in…

    0.45 miles away
  9. Oxford Castle & Prison

    Explore the 1,000-year history of Oxford Castle & Prison. Step back in time with our…

    0.5 miles away
  10. Oxbridge Tours

    As the site of important moments in the arts, sciences, film and sport, Oxford has…

    0.51 miles away
  11. Oxford Town Hall

    A victorian building opened in 1897 and still used for local government. Original rooms…

    0.53 miles away
  12. Museum of Oxford

    History of the city and university. Discover the cities earliest residents, medieval…

    0.54 miles away
Previous Next