Ashmolean Museum

Museum Overview

The Ashmolean Museum is the University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology. It was Britain’s first-ever public museum and it was founded in 1683. It is located in the centre of the city of Oxford.

The museum has rich and diverse collections from around the world, ranging from Egyptian mummies to classical sculpture, Pre-Raphaelite art and modern art. There are objects dating from 8000 BC to the modern day.

Notable objects include an Arab ceremonial dress belonging to Lawrence of Arabia, the lantern carried by Guy Fawkes during the 1605 Gunpowder plot and the death mask of Oliver Cromwell. Plus the most famous violin in the world and the foremost collection of modern Chinese paintings in the Western world.

There is a digital guide which is great for families that you can take around the museum with you. It is a fun and interactive guide which explores some of the museum’s most intriguing objects through a variety of multimedia activities. Tickets include a digital device for each person and there is a small charge for this starting at £10 for a family of 2.

Further Information Ashmolean Museum

Is there food and drink available?

There is a cafe and restaurant serving food and drinks.

What are the main things to do?

The oldest museum in the world with a large collection of historical items from around the world. There are toilets and places to purchase food and drinks.