Ashmolean Museum
Postcode: OX1 2PH
Official Website
Journey through time and across cultures at The Ashmolean Museum, where art and history come alive in every exhibit.
Visitor Information: Ashmolean Museum
Ashmolean Museum
DescriptionThe Ashmolean Museum, located in the heart of Oxford, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art, archaeology, and world cultures. Established in 1683, it is the oldest public museum in the United Kingdom and boasts an impressive collection of over 2 million objects.
One of the unique features of The Ashmolean Museum is that it displays a wide range of art and artefacts from different periods and regions of the world. From ancient Egyptian mummies to contemporary art, there is something for everyone to explore and appreciate. The museum’s extensive collections include paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, coins, and ceramics, among others.
Visitors to the museum can explore a variety of galleries that showcase different cultures and eras. Some of the most notable collections include the Ancient Greek and Roman galleries, the Islamic Art and Archaeology gallery, and the Eastern Art collection. The museum also has a section dedicated to British art, including works by famous artists such as William Blake, J.M.W. Turner, and Francis Bacon.
In addition to the permanent collections, The Ashmolean Museum also hosts a range of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, which showcase various themes and artists. These exhibitions offer visitors the chance to see some of the world’s most famous artworks up close and learn about their cultural and historical significance.
One of the most popular attractions at the museum is the rooftop restaurant, which offers stunning views of Oxford’s skyline. Visitors can enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the breath-taking scenery of the city.
Highlights
Not to be missed when visitingEgyptian Collection: This collection spans over 5,000 years and includes the world-famous Predynastic and Early Dynastic collection, as well as significant collections of sculpture, jewellery, and papyri.
The Alfred Jewel: This gold artefact from the late 9th century is a prime example of Anglo-Saxon craftsmanship. It was commissioned by Alfred the Great, hence its name.
Renaissance Art: The Ashmolean has an impressive collection of Renaissance pieces, including works by Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo.
Cast Gallery: One of the oldest, largest and best-preserved collections of casts of Greek and Roman sculpture in the UK.
The Pissarro Family Archive: An extensive archive of letters, photographs, sketches, and personal items relating to the artist Camille Pissarro and his family.
Eastern Art Collection: An expansive collection that covers ceramics, sculptures, metalwork, paintings, prints, and other decorative arts from the Islamic Middle East, India, Southeast Asia, China, Japan, and Korea.
European Ceramics: The Ashmolean has one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of European ceramics, particularly strong in English, German, and Italian pottery and porcelain.
The Powhatan’s Mantle: A unique and significant artefact linked to the indigenous people of North America, dating back to the 17th century.
Coins and Medals Collection: One of the world’s finest numismatic collections, covering all periods and regions.
Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Paintings: The museum has a strong collection of 19th-century French paintings, including works by Manet, Renoir, Pissarro, and Van Gogh.
FAQs
Where is the Ashmolean Museum located?
The Ashmolean Museum is located on Beaumont Street, Oxford, England.
Is there an admission fee for the museum?
Entry to the Ashmolean Museum is free, but donations are encouraged. Some special exhibitions may have an admission fee.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the museum is fully accessible to wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. Lifts are available to all floors, and wheelchairs are available to borrow.
Is there a café or restaurant in the museum?
Yes, the Ashmolean Museum has a restaurant on the rooftop and a café on the ground floor.
What are the opening hours for the Ashmolean Museum?
The museum is typically open Tuesday to Sunday, and Bank Holiday Mondays, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, these times can change depending on the season or special events, so always check the official website for the most current information.
What other attractions are nearby?
If you’re visiting the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, there are several other attractions nearby that you might consider visiting:
Oxford University Museum of Natural History: Home to an extensive collection of natural history specimens and widely known for its neo-Gothic architecture.
Pitt Rivers Museum: An anthropological museum that houses the University’s archaeological and ethnographic collections.
Bodleian Library: One of the oldest libraries in Europe, it’s one of the main research libraries of the University of Oxford with over 13 million printed items.
Radcliffe Camera: An iconic round building, part of the Bodleian Libraries, known for its distinctive architecture.
Christ Church College: One of Oxford’s largest and most famous colleges, known for its magnificent chapel, beautiful grounds, and its role in the Harry Potter films.
Botanic Garden: The oldest botanic garden in Great Britain and one of the oldest scientific gardens in the world, home to a collection of over 8,000 different plant species.
Oxford Castle & Prison: A partly ruined Norman medieval castle that later served as a prison. Now a visitor attraction with guided tours.
Magdalen College: One of the University’s most beautiful colleges, known for its stunning architecture and deer park.
University Parks: A large parkland area slightly northeast of the city centre, perfect for walks and picnics.
Museum of the History of Science: Houses an unrivalled collection of historic scientific instruments in the world’s oldest surviving purpose-built museum building.
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