Ashmolean Museum, Oxford: Ticket prices, hours & visitor guide

Explore the art and archaeology of Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum. Essential visitor guide covering ticket prices, opening hours, and must-see exhibits.

The first time I climbed the Ashmolean’s grand staircase, I was struck by how this place manages to feel both imposing and welcoming. Britain’s oldest public museum occupies a neo-classical building on Beaumont Street, Oxford, its stone façade looking every bit the serious academic institution it is.

Yet inside, the airy atrium created by the 2009 redevelopment gives it a light, modern feel. Collections spanning 500,000 years sit alongside temporary exhibitions that might feature anything from Renaissance art to Radiohead album covers.

Quick overview

Ashmolean Museum admission is free. No advance booking is required for general entry, though booking ahead is recommended during busy periods to guarantee entry.

The museum opens daily 10am-5pm, with last entry at 4:45pm. Special exhibitions require separate timed tickets, which must be booked in advance, including for members and patrons.

At a glance

How much does the Ashmolean Museum cost?

Nothing. Admission to the permanent collections is completely free.

Special exhibitions charge entry fees that vary depending on the show. Current major exhibitions like “This Is What You Get: Stanley Donwood, Radiohead, Thom Yorke” cost around £15-18 for adults.

Members enjoy free unlimited exhibition access without booking. Annual membership costs approximately £70 for individuals.

Is the Ashmolean Museum free to enter?

Yes, completely. The permanent galleries displaying art and archaeology from Ancient Egypt through to contemporary pieces are all free.

You can walk in without booking and spend as long as you like exploring. Only special temporary exhibitions require paid tickets.

This includes world-class collections like the largest assemblage of Raphael drawings globally and the most significant pre-Dynastic Egyptian material in Europe. Donations are gratefully received, however.

What time does the Ashmolean Museum open?

The museum opens daily at 10am and closes at 5pm. Last entry is 4:45pm.

These hours apply every day of the year except Christmas Day, when the museum closes. The rooftop restaurant and café operate during museum hours.

The museum shop on the lower ground floor opens 10am-5pm daily. Boxing Day hours may vary — check the website before visiting.

Do I need to book Ashmolean Museum tickets in advance?

No booking required for general admission. Turn up anytime during opening hours and walk in.

Pre-booking is recommended during peak times (weekends, school holidays, Christmas markets period) to guarantee entry. Free timed slots can be booked online.

Special exhibitions always require advance booking with timed entry, even for members. These sell out weeks ahead for popular shows.

History

Elias Ashmole donated his collection to Oxford University in 1677. The wealthy antiquarian, astrologer, and founding Fellow of the Royal Society assembled specimens, coins, books, and curiosities throughout his life.

His collection included the famous Tradescant rarities. John Tradescant the Elder and his son, both gardeners to the Earl of Salisbury, travelled extensively, acquiring exotic plants and peculiar objects from around the known world.

They established Britain’s first museum, “The Ark,” in Lambeth in 1634. When John Tradescant the Younger died, his collection passed to Ashmole.

The original Ashmolean opened on Broad Street on 24 May 1683. It was Britain’s first public museum and the world’s first university museum.

Naturalist Robert Plot served as first keeper. The building housed collections on the first floor, lecture theatres on the ground floor, and a chemical laboratory in the basement.

By the 19th century, natural history specimens had decayed considerably. In 1860, the University opened the Museum of Natural History, transferring biological specimens there.

Archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans became Keeper in 1884. He transformed the museum’s focus towards archaeology and art.

In 1894, Evans moved collections to Beaumont Street behind the University Galleries. The two institutions merged in 1908 to create the current Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology.

The present building was constructed between 1841 and 1845. Architect Charles Robert Cockerell designed the imposing neo-classical structure.

A major £98 million redevelopment between 2006-2009 doubled display space. Architect Rick Mather created five floors instead of three, adding conservation studios and an education centre. It helps make the University of Oxford one of the world’s great universities for visitors.

What to see and do

The museum’s 39 galleries follow a broadly chronological and geographical layout. Ancient Egypt and Nubia galleries on the lower ground floor display mummies, painted coffins, and sculptures spanning 5,000 years.

The ground floor focuses on Mediterranean archaeology. Greek and Roman galleries showcase vases, sculptures, and everyday objects.

The Cast Gallery displays plaster casts of famous classical sculptures. These Victorian-era reproductions allowed students to study masterpieces without travelling.

Eastern Art galleries occupy an entire floor. Chinese paintings, Japanese screens, Islamic ceramics, and Indian sculpture fill beautifully lit spaces.

European art dominates the upper floors. Pre-Raphaelite drawings and watercolours form a significant strength.

The museum holds the world’s largest collection of Raphael drawings. Italian Renaissance works share space with Dutch still lifes and French Impressionist paintings.

The Ashmolean Story Gallery displays founding objects. Guy Fawkes’s lantern sits alongside Powhatan’s Mantle — a deerskin wall hanging linked to Pocahontas’s father.

A crystal ball Ashmole probably used for fortune-telling sits near scientific instruments. The gallery recreates the curiosity and wonder of 17th-century visitors.

Temporary exhibitions occupy dedicated spaces. Recent shows have explored everything from Minoan Crete to contemporary photography.

Free daily tours depart from the entrance. Audio guides covering highlights can be downloaded to your phone.

The rooftop restaurant offers views across Oxford’s spires. Afternoon tea bookings are recommended for weekend visits.

What’s included with your ticket?

• Free access to all permanent galleries spanning 500,000 years
• Egyptian mummies and ancient Mediterranean archaeology
• Eastern Art collections including Chinese paintings
• European paintings from Renaissance through Impressionism
• The Ashmolean Story Gallery with founding collection objects
• Free daily guided tours (check times at entrance)
• Access to the Cast Gallery of classical sculpture reproductions

Things to do near the Ashmolean Museum

Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera (400m, 5-minute walk) – Britain’s second-largest library occupies multiple historic buildings. The circular Radcliffe Camera is Oxford’s most photographed landmark. Guided tours include Duke Humfrey’s medieval library and the Divinity School (Harry Potter filming location).

University Church of St Mary the Virgin (500m, 7-minute walk) – Oxford’s official university church dates from the 13th century. Climb the 127-step tower for panoramic views across the city’s dreaming spires.

Christ Church College (600m, 8-minute walk) – Oxford’s grandest college inspired Harry Potter’s Great Hall. The cathedral serves as Oxford’s smallest yet oldest cathedral. Tom Quad and the medieval dining hall are architectural marvels.

Pitt Rivers Museum (800m, 10-minute walk) – Extraordinary anthropological collection displayed in Victorian glass cases. Shrunken heads, totem poles, and 500,000 objects from around the world fill this atmospheric space. Adjacent to the Natural History Museum.

Oxford Botanic Garden (1km, 12-minute walk) – Britain’s oldest botanic garden, founded in 1621. Over 5,000 plant species across walled gardens and glasshouses. The Danby Gateway entrance dates from 1632.

Practical tips

• Arrive early on weekends — 10am opening sees fewer crowds
• The lower ground floor atrium offers free WiFi and seating
• Allow minimum 2-3 hours; serious visitors need 4-5 hours
• Wednesday and Thursday mornings typically quietest
• Leave bags and coats in free cloakrooms — large bags not permitted in galleries
• Photography allowed in permanent collections without flash
• The museum shop is exceptional — budget extra time for browsing
• Wheelchair access available; lifts connect all floors
• Baby-changing facilities on multiple floors
• Rooftop restaurant bookings essential for weekend afternoon tea

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring food and drink into the galleries?
No. Food and drink must stay in designated areas like the café and restaurant. Water bottles are permitted in the atrium but not inside galleries.

Is photography allowed?
Yes in permanent galleries for personal, non-commercial use. No flash, tripods, or selfie sticks permitted. Special exhibitions may prohibit photography—check signage. Video recording not allowed anywhere.

Are there family facilities?
Family trails and explorer packs available free from the welcome desk. Weekend family activities run regularly (check website for schedule). Baby-changing facilities throughout. Pushchairs welcome but may be restricted during busy periods.

How long should I spend at the Ashmolean?
Minimum 2 hours for highlights. Art and archaeology enthusiasts should allow 4-5 hours. The breadth of collections means you could easily spend a full day here.