Ashmolean Museum
About
The Ashmolean Museum in Oxford is a treasure trove of history, art, and culture, captivating visitors since its foundation in 1683 as the world’s first university museum. Home to a vast and eclectic collection spanning over 10,000 years of human civilization, the Ashmolean invites visitors on a journey through time—from ancient Egyptian artifacts and classical sculpture to exquisite Renaissance paintings and contemporary art.
Current exhibitions at the Ashmolean promise to add a layer of wonder to your visit. "Labyrinth: Knossos, Myth & Reality" plunges you into the heart of ancient Crete, unearthing the secrets and stories of the legendary labyrinth at Knossos and exploring how myth and reality intertwine in the tale of the Minotaur. For those fascinated by Eastern traditions, "Tokyo: Art & Photography" highlights the striking evolution of this vibrant metropolis through a fascinating blend of art, culture, and history—capturing Tokyo's transformation over centuries through works by iconic Japanese artists.
Meanwhile, "Young Rembrandt" offers an unparalleled glimpse into the early genius of one of history’s most celebrated artists. This exhibition brings together rarely seen works from Rembrandt's formative years, providing insight into the creative growth of a master.
Beyond the exhibitions, the museum's hidden gems are equally alluring. Did you know that the Ashmolean is also the proud owner of the Alfred Jewel, a stunning relic believed to have been commissioned by King Alfred the Great in the 9th century? The jeweled piece embodies the sophistication of Anglo-Saxon art and serves as a tantalizing link to England's distant past.
A visit to the Ashmolean Museum is not just an exploration of art and history—it’s a dialogue across time, where every artifact and gallery tells a story waiting to be discovered.
Audio Tours
No audio tours available yet. Check back soon or explore other museums.
Exhibitions
Permanent Exhibitions
WELCOME
Open every day, 10am–5pm
THIS IS WHAT YOU GET
STANLEY DONWOOD | RADIOHEAD | THOM YORKE
EARLY BIRD FESTIVE SHOPPING DISCOUNT
Get ahead on your festive shopping with 15% off at the Ashmolean Online Shop this week. Use the code 15EARLYBIRD25 at checkout (t&cs apply).
NEW AUTUMN MENU
Check out the new autumn menu in our Rooftop Restaurant and Terrace.
FRENCH ARTIST COMMUNITIES TALK 1: THE BARBIZON SCHOOL
HOW PUTTING PEN TO PAPER CHANGED THE WORLD
MEDIEVAL EMBROIDERY 1-YEAR COURSE
MEDIEVAL EMBROIDERY 3-YEAR COURSE
CHINESE INFLUENCES ON EUROPEAN DECORATIVE ARTS GALLERY TOUR
VISIT TO CLAYDON HOUSE
ARTIST COLLECTIVES: CAMDEN TOWN GROUP TALK 2
CLAY LIVE: IN CONVERSATION & DEMONSTRATION
IN CONVERSATION WITH ARTIST ALIKI BRAINE
FREE FAMILY WORKSHOPS AT HALF TERM
PAPER CASTING AND RELIEFS WORKSHOP
RADIOHEAD DISCOGRAPHY ART COLLAGES WORKSHOP
BOOK THE ASHMOLEAN ADVENTURE
A fun, interactive family experience through the galleries. Book ahead or pick up the digital devices when you visit. Available weekends and daily in school holidays.
COIN HANDLING SESSIONS
Drop in to a coin handling session in the Money Gallery, every Saturday. Free. Check times.
NEW ARTFUL ENCOUNTERS CARD GAME
Ask for the new card game to play as you explore the galleries, available from the Museum's Welcome Desk and it's free!
ROMAN ESCAPADES
Check out the fun interactives and games in the newly-renovated Rome galleries.
CONNECT & COLLABORATE SEASON
A special season of events and more for summer and autumn 2025.
DAPHNE WRIGHT: DEEP-ROOTED THINGS
The fourth exhibition in our Ashmolean NOW series presents sculptures by contemporary Irish artist Daphne Wright. Gallery 8, lower ground floor. Open now
SHEDDING LIGHT
The new Shedding Light display of a reimagined Caribbean Living Room opens as a permanent display in the European Ceramics Gallery 40. From 4 Oct
PAT SUET-BIK HUI & THE THREE PERFECTIONS
Hong Kong artist Pat Suet-Bik Hui, now based in the US, brings together the three art forms of poetry, calligraphy, and painting in her colourful artworks. Chinese Paintings Gallery 11, ground floor. Open now
KABUKI KIMONO: Costumes of Bandō Tamasaburō V
Marvel at the sensational kimonos worn by the famous kabuki actor Bandō Tamasaburō V. Textiles Gallery 5, lower ground floor. Final weeks
WIN A LUXURY STAY IN OXFORD
To mark our This Is What You Get exhibition, you could win an overnight stay for two in Oxford's 36 St Giles' luxury apartments.
IT'S HALLOWEEN TIME
Delve into our latest selection of ghostly tales and creepy objects from the collections... if you dare.
STANLEY DONWOOD, THOM YORKE & RADIOHEAD'S STORY
This Is What You Get exhibition curator Lena Fritsch tells the story of Stanley Donwood, Thom Yorke and Radiohead's creative collaboration since The Bends album came out in 1995.
BRING HISTORY TO LIFE
Help keep the past vibrant, relevant, and accessible for all.
Browse the floors of the Museum Use our interactive floor guide to browse the galleries of the Ashmolean floor by floor and images of the objects they contain
Browse the floors of the Museum
ONLINE COLLECTIONS
Discover thousands of objects and artworks Take a journey through thousands of years of art and history with our online collection. There are currently more than 300,000 objects available to search and browse online.
COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS
Take a look at a selection of highlights from the Ashmolean's collection, chosen by our curators.
GIFT MEMBERSHIP
Support the Museum and treat someone to free, unlimited access to a year of exhibitions, plus exclusive events and discounts.
PRINTS & CANVASES
Browse our collection of fine art prints from current exhibition imagery to highlights from across our collection.
Wall of Eyes Tea Towel
£8
Alfred Jewel Pendant Necklace
£75
This Is What You Get Exhibition Catalogue
£30
Ashmolean Tea Caddy
£13.50
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