
Ashmolean Museum
Explore millennia of art and archaeology, from ancient Egypt to modern masterpieces, at the world's first university museum.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Ashmolean Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore millennia of art and archaeology, from ancient Egypt to modern masterpieces, at the world's first university museum.
"A true treasure of history and art, walking through its halls feels like traveling across centuries and cultures."

🎯 Free Entry, Special Exhibitions
General admission is free! Special exhibitions like Radiohead may have a fee. Book tickets online in advance.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across five floors. Prioritize comfort for a full day of exploration.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 11,653 reviews
Type
Museum
Website
ashmolean.orgHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

This Is What You Get: Radiohead Exhibition
Special Exhibition Gallery
Immerse yourself in the unique visual and musical partnership of Radiohead and Stanley Donwood.

Ancient Egyptian & Sudanese Collections
Ground Floor & First Floor
Explore mummies, sarcophagi, and artifacts from ancient civilizations.

European Art & Pre-Raphaelite Paintings
Upper Floors
Discover stunning paintings, including works by the Pre-Raphaelites.

Islamic Art & Textiles
Various Galleries
Marvel at intricate ceramics, metalwork, and one of the world's largest collections of medieval Islamic textiles.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Big Rewards
Pace Yourself for Discovery
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Entry, Special Exhibitions
General admission is free! Special exhibitions like Radiohead may have a fee. Book tickets online in advance.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across five floors. Prioritize comfort for a full day of exploration.
🗺️ Grab a Floor Plan
Free floor plans are available with a small donation, or check online. Essential for navigating the vast museum.
☕ Relax in the Cafe
Take a break at the basement cafe or the fourth-floor restaurant to recharge.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Entry, Special Exhibitions
General admission is free! Special exhibitions like Radiohead may have a fee. Book tickets online in advance.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across five floors. Prioritize comfort for a full day of exploration.
🗺️ Grab a Floor Plan
Free floor plans are available with a small donation, or check online. Essential for navigating the vast museum.
☕ Relax in the Cafe
Take a break at the basement cafe or the fourth-floor restaurant to recharge.
🤫 Embrace Slow Art
Participate in 'Slow Art Day' by spending quiet time with artworks to connect deeper.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Ashmolean Museum for its extensive and diverse collections, spanning ancient civilizations to modern art, all within a beautifully curated space. The free entry is a significant draw, making it an accessible cultural experience. While some find the sheer volume overwhelming, most appreciate the opportunity to explore at their own pace and discover something new.
"The museum’s huge , we had the luxury of time so did each floor on separate days. It’s well planned so you can walk around in a seamless tour. Lots of detail explaining exhibits.
Nice cafe in the basement and I could have spent a fortune on the shop!"
Catherine Shawarby
"Nice museum, well spaced, they have free entrance but encourga donations. I donated buy gettin the map which is 2£.
It was walkable and had well structured displays. Also had some interactive ones.
Worth a visit if you are in Oxford."
Diana Landero
"I wanted to see the Tradescant collection, from the English settlement period of Virginia, Powhatans mantle specifically. It was an easy day trip from London Paddington station.
Ut turned out to be my favorite museum! So many world treasures!
Beautiful exhibit designs, lovely lighting. The rich colors compliment the objects and time periods. Labels easy to read.
Nice, quick-lunch cafe, big enough to rest a few minutes before going on.
More manageable size compared to The British Museum."
Rhonda Tyson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ashmolean Museum is centrally located in Oxford, easily accessible by public transport. Numerous bus routes stop nearby, and it's a pleasant walk from Oxford train station. Many visitors find it convenient to explore on foot once in the city center.
On-site parking is very limited. It's recommended to use public transport or city car parks. The nearest major car parks include Gloucester Green and Westgate.
Absolutely! Many Oxford walking tours include a stop or pass by the Ashmolean Museum, offering a great way to get an overview before or after your visit.
Yes, the museum is generally accessible. Lifts are available to access all floors, and accessible restrooms are provided. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
The most convenient way to travel from London to Oxford is by train from London Paddington or by coach from London Victoria. Both options are frequent and relatively quick.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission to the Ashmolean Museum is free! However, special exhibitions, such as the popular Radiohead exhibition, often require a paid ticket. It's advisable to book these in advance online.
The museum is typically open Tuesday to Sunday, with hours usually from 10 AM to 5 PM. Some days, like Saturdays before Easter, may have slightly earlier closing times. Always check the official website for the most current hours.
Yes, for popular special exhibitions like the Radiohead show, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment.
While general admission is free, students might receive discounted rates for special exhibitions. Group bookings may also be available for specific tours or events. Check the museum's ticketing page for details.
For general entry, no ticket is required as it's free. However, for any ticketed special exhibitions, you will need to purchase a ticket to gain entry.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
To fully appreciate the collections, allocate at least 2-3 hours. If you want to explore in-depth or visit a special exhibition, a half-day or even a full day is recommended.
Highlights include the Ancient Egyptian and Sudanese collections, the Pre-Raphaelite paintings, Islamic art, and the current 'This Is What You Get' exhibition featuring Radiohead's art.
Photography for personal use is generally allowed in the permanent collections, but flash photography and tripods are usually prohibited. Special exhibitions may have different restrictions, so always check signage.
Yes, the museum often offers guided tours for its permanent collections and special exhibitions. Check the museum's schedule upon arrival or their website for availability and times.
The museum often has family-friendly trails, activity packs, and interactive displays. The diverse collections can engage children of various ages.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Ashmolean has a cafe located in the basement and a restaurant on the fourth floor, offering a place to rest and refuel during your visit.
The cafe typically offers lighter fare like sandwiches, pastries, and coffee, while the restaurant may provide a more substantial menu. Specific offerings can vary.
Oxford city center is brimming with cafes, pubs, and restaurants. You'll find a wide range of options just a short walk from the museum, catering to various tastes and budgets.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the galleries. It's best to consume them in designated areas or outside the museum.
The restaurant on the fourth floor offers lovely views and a more refined dining experience, which could be suitable for a special occasion, especially after exploring the museum.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally permitted in the permanent collections, but always check for specific signage. Flash photography and tripods are usually not allowed.
Yes, special exhibitions often have stricter photography rules, sometimes prohibiting it entirely. Always look for and adhere to the signs in each exhibition area.
The grand staircase, the Egyptian galleries with their sarcophagi, and the art collections offer visually striking opportunities. The architecture of the building itself is also photogenic.
Photography rules for special exhibitions can vary. For the 'This Is What You Get' exhibition, it's best to check the specific guidelines provided by the museum, as they may have restrictions.
Yes, phone cameras are generally allowed for personal photography in areas where it's permitted. Just be mindful of others and avoid disruptive use.









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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit