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Museum · Oxford, Inglaterra
Ashmolean Museum
The University of Oxford's museum of art and archaeology, opened in 1683, with Egyptian and Greek antiquities, Guy Fawkes' lantern, drawings by Michelangelo and Raphael, and European painting. Admission to the permanent collection is usually free; check in advance.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Ashmolean Museum
The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology is the University of Oxford's museum and was the first public museum in Britain, opened in 1683 from the collection donated by Elias Ashmole. The current neoclassical building, with Ionic columns, dates from 1845 on Beaumont Street, and in 2009 it gained an internal extension with open staircases and natural light.
The holdings range from prehistory to contemporary art, organised by themes that cross cultures. Highlights include the Egyptian and Sudanese antiquities, with a shrine and mummies; Arthur Evans' Minoan collection (the archaeologist of Knossos); Greek and Roman sculpture; the Alfred Jewel, an Anglo‑Saxon gold piece from the 9th century; Guy Fawkes' lantern, which is said to have been with him on the night of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605; and the "Messiah" Stradivarius violin.
In the art galleries there are drawings by Michelangelo and Raphael, Italian Renaissance painting, works by Titian, Rembrandt and the Pre‑Raphaelites, and an Impressionist room. The restaurant terrace on the top floor has views over the city centre roofs.
Admission to the permanent displays is normally free; temporary exhibitions charge. Check opening times, which are often shorter on Mondays or when the museum is closed that day.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1h30 to 2 hours for the highlights.
Best time
At any time on a weekday; it's a good option for an afternoon visit or a rainy day. Saturday mornings tend to have more families.
How to get there
It is on Beaumont Street in central Oxford, a 10‑minute walk from the train station and 5 minutes from Broad Street and the Bodleiana.
Tip
Pick up a map and choose two or three themes: Egypt, Minoan Greece and Renaissance drawings work well for a short visit. Finish on the top‑floor terrace.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Ashmolean Museum
Does the Ashmolean charge admission?
Admission to the permanent collection is usually free; temporary exhibitions have tickets. Check beforehand.
What to see at the Ashmolean?
The Egyptian antiquities, the Minoan collection, the Alfred Jewel, Guy Fawkes' lantern, the Messiah violin and drawings by Michelangelo and Raphael.
How long does the visit take?
About 1.5 to 2 hours for the highlights. The museum is large and arranged by themes.