What is special about the Ashmolean museum?
The Ashmolean is Oxford University’s Museum of Art and Archaeology. Opened in 1683, it is the oldest public museum in the UK. The museum has incredibly rich and diverse collections from around the globe, ranging from Egyptian mummies and classical sculpture to the Pre-Raphaelites and modern art.
What does Ashmolean Museum contain?
The main museum contains huge collections of archaeological specimens and fine art. It has one of the best collections of Pre-Raphaelite paintings, majolica pottery, and English silver. The archaeology department includes the bequest of Arthur Evans and so has an excellent collection of Greek and Minoan pottery.
Can you visit the Ashmolean museum?
The Museum is open every day, 10am–5pm. Entry is FREE, but pre-booking is recommended to guarantee entry.
Are there dinosaurs at the Ashmolean museum?
The dinosaur displays in the Museum include four species from Oxfordshire, and two of these, Eustreptospondylus and Camptosaurus, are remarkably complete skeletons.
How old is the Ashmolean museum?
339Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology / Age (c. 1683)
Who started museums?
The world’s oldest museum was built by a Babylonian princess 2,500 years ago. Early museums began as private collections of wealthy individuals, families or institutions of art and rare or curious natural objects and artefacts. These were often displayed in so-called wonder rooms or cabinets of curiosities.
What is the Ashmolean Museum?
The Ashmolean is the University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology, founded in 1683. Our world famous collections range from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art, telling human stories across cultures and across time. The museum opens again on 28 December.
Does the Ashmolean close at 5pm?
(Evening tickets do not include Museum entry.) Please be aware that the Ashmolean closes at 5pm and this should be taken into consideration if you wish to see more of the Museum after your exhibition visit. Will the whole museum be open?
Why do I need to book tickets to visit the Ashmolean?
All visitors – including Members and Patrons – currently need to be in posession of a ticket (whether booked in advance or at the entrance) to help us manage the Museum’s reduced capacity and allow for social distancing. The Ashmolean is maintaining Covid-secure measures to prioritise the safety of our visitors and staff.
What is the interior of the Ashmolean like?
The interior of the Ashmolean has been extensively modernised in recent years and now includes a restaurant and large gift shop. In 2000, the Chinese Picture Gallery, designed by van Heyningen and Haward Architects, opened at the entrance of the Ashmolean and is partly integrated into the structure.