Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, Oxford
Explore centuries of art and archaeology at the Ashmolean, Oxford’s oldest museum with free admission and world-class collections.
The Ashmolean Museum, founded in 1683, is the University of Oxford’s renowned museum of art and archaeology. It houses world-famous collections spanning Egyptian mummies to contemporary art, reflecting human stories across cultures and time. Open daily from 10am to 5pm with free general admission, it offers a rich cultural experience in the heart of Oxford on Beaumont Street.
A brief summary to Ashmolean Museum
- Beaumont St, Oxford, OX1 2PH, GB
- +441865278000
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience with fewer crowds.
- Admission is free, but book tickets in advance for special exhibitions to guarantee entry.
- Use the lockers downstairs for backpacks and large bags; a small fee or token from the gift shop is required.
- Don’t miss the Western Art Print Room, open Tuesday to Friday by appointment, showcasing fragile works on paper.
- Plan at least 2–3 hours to explore the museum’s extensive collections and special exhibitions fully.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Lockers
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train
From London Paddington, take a direct train to Oxford station, which takes approximately 55 to 65 minutes. From Oxford station, the Ashmolean Museum is a 20-minute walk through the city centre. Train tickets range from £15 to £30 one way, depending on advance booking and time of travel.
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Bus
Several city bus routes serve stops near Beaumont Street, including routes 1, 2, and 3. Buses run frequently throughout the day, with a journey time of about 15 to 25 minutes from Oxford city centre. Single fares cost around £2.50 to £3.50. Limited on-site parking means public transport is recommended.
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Walking
From Oxford city centre or the train station, walking to the Ashmolean takes about 20 to 25 minutes along mostly flat, paved streets suitable for wheelchair users and strollers. This is a pleasant way to experience Oxford’s historic streetscape en route.
Ashmolean Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Low-Visibility Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Ashmolean Museum
A Historic Pillar of Oxford’s Cultural Heritage
Founded in 1683, the Ashmolean Museum is the oldest public museum in the UK and a cornerstone of Oxford’s academic and cultural life. Established as part of the University of Oxford, it has grown into a world-class institution housing a vast collection that spans millennia and continents. The museum’s founding mission was to inspire learning and curiosity through art and archaeology, a goal it continues to fulfill with its diverse exhibitions and educational programs.Vast and Diverse Collections
The Ashmolean’s collections are remarkably broad, ranging from ancient Egyptian and Sudanese artifacts, including mummies and funerary objects, to classical antiquities, Islamic art, and European paintings. Visitors can explore Pre-Raphaelite masterpieces, Asian ceramics, and contemporary art installations. The museum also hosts special exhibitions, such as the 2025 Anselm Kiefer retrospective and the innovative ‘This Is What You Get’ exhibition exploring Radiohead’s visual art connections.Architectural and Spatial Experience
Located on Beaumont Street, the Ashmolean’s building combines historic and modern architectural elements. The interior is designed to enhance the visitor experience with well-lit galleries, seating areas, and accessible facilities including lifts and accessible restrooms. The museum’s layout encourages exploration across multiple floors, with dedicated spaces like the Western Art Print Room offering access to fragile works on paper by masters such as Michelangelo and Degas, available by appointment.Visitor Experience and Accessibility
Open every day from 10am to 5pm, the Ashmolean welcomes visitors with free general admission, encouraging broad access to its treasures. While entry to the museum is free, some temporary exhibitions require tickets, which are best booked in advance. The museum provides lockers for bags, seating throughout galleries, and supports visitors with mobility needs through accessible routes and facilities. Quiet times tend to be early mornings and late afternoons, ideal for a more contemplative visit.Engaging Programs and Tours
The Ashmolean offers a variety of guided tours and educational programs that delve into its collections’ histories and contexts, including critical perspectives on colonial legacies. These tours are led by expert university researchers and are designed to be inclusive and accessible. Visitors can also enjoy family-friendly activities and special events throughout the year, making the museum a dynamic cultural hub in Oxford.Community and Sustainability Commitment
As a public institution, the Ashmolean is committed to sustainability and accessibility, promoting eco-friendly practices and ensuring its collections and spaces remain available to diverse audiences. It encourages donations and memberships to support its mission and ongoing exhibitions, fostering a strong connection with the local and global community.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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