Top Things To Do In Ashmolean Museum (Oxford) In 2026 - 2027

Museum

Top 10 things to do in Ashmolean Museum

1. Guided Tour of Ashmolean Museum
Embark on a journey through art and archaeology at the historic Ashmolean Museum, the University of Oxford's museum of art and archaeology. Established in 1683, it is the world's first university museum and home to a diverse collection. The guided tour provides an expert's insight into the museum's extensive array of objects, ranging from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art. Visitors will discover hidden stories behind the ancient artefacts and explore the world cultures under one roof. The tour typically focuses on highlights, providing an informative overview, perfect for those new to the museum or looking to maximize their visit with scholarly narrative.
Duration: 1-2 hours · Price: Free admission; suggested donation £5
2. Treasures of the Ashmolean
Delve deeper into the incredible collection at the Ashmolean Museum with the 'Treasures of the Ashmolean' experience. The interactive tour highlights the museum's most prized possessions, telling the fascinating stories of how these treasures were created, discovered, and ended up in Oxford. From the Alfred Jewel to Powhatan's Mantle, visitors will get an up-close look at these extraordinary objects. The discussion is not just on the grand history but also on the cultural significance and impact of these artefacts throughout centuries.
Duration: 1.5-2 hours · Price: Free; donations welcome
3. Family Trails at the Ashmolean
Families visiting the Ashmolean Museum can engage in a series of fun and educational trails. These self-guided explorations are designed to help children and their families discover the museum's collections in an interactive way. Each trail focuses on a particular theme or area of the museum, such as ancient Egypt or mythical creatures, and includes a variety of activities such as spot-the-object, puzzle-solving, and interactive questions to encourage young minds to engage with the exhibitions.
Duration: Variable; typically 1-2 hours · Price: Free; some special exhibitions may have a charge
4. Drawing in the Galleries
The Ashmolean Museum offers 'Drawing in the Galleries' sessions, inviting visitors to practice their drawing skills within the inspiring setting of the museum's galleries. These sessions provide an opportunity for budding and experienced artists alike to sketch from the rich collection of artefacts and art in the museum. With the guidance of a skilled instructor and all drawing materials provided, it's an ideal way to engage with the museum's works in a personal and creative manner, while improving drawing techniques and gaining a new perspective on the exhibits.
Duration: 2-3 hours · Price: Typically free; may require booking in advance
5. Evening Lectures and Events
The Ashmolean regularly hosts a variety of evening events, including lectures, talks, and workshops that cover a wide range of topics related to the museum's collections and special exhibitions. These events are led by experts, curators, and guest speakers who provide in-depth knowledge and discussions on various subjects, from ancient history to contemporary art. Attending an evening event gives visitors the chance to deepen their understanding of the museum's offerings and engage in lively dialogues with fellow enthusiasts.
Duration: 1-2 hours · Price: Varies; some events may be free while others require paid tickets
6. Spotlight Tours
The Ashmolean's 'Spotlight Tours' offer visitors a brief but focused look at particular aspects of the museum's collection. Each tour, usually led by a volunteer guide, lasts for about 30 minutes and focuses on a single theme, artist, or period. This is a wonderful option for visitors who have limited time or specific interests, providing a rapid yet informative overview that highlights key pieces and their significance.
Duration: 30 minutes · Price: Free; no booking required
7. Lunchtime Gallery Talks
Visitors to the Ashmolean Museum can enhance their experience by attending one of the Lunchtime Gallery Talks. These informal and insightful talks are usually given by curators, scholars, or researchers and focus on particular pieces or themes within the museum's vast collection. Lasting approximately 30 minutes, they offer an excellent opportunity to gain a more profound understanding of specific topics without committing to a longer guided tour.
Duration: 30 minutes · Price: Free; donations are appreciated
8. After Hours Events
Experience the Ashmolean Museum in a new light during their 'After Hours' events. Periodically, the museum extends its opening hours into the evening, allowing visitors to explore the galleries and special exhibitions during a quieter, more atmospheric time. These special events often include live music performances, themed tours, creative workshops, and more. It's a unique museum experience for those looking for a cultural evening out.
Duration: Varies; typically 2-4 hours · Price: Free entry; some activities within the event may be ticketed
9. Art Classes and Workshops
For art enthusiasts and creative minds, the Ashmolean Museum conducts various art classes and workshops throughout the year. These sessions range from one-off workshops to in-depth courses on techniques such as watercolor painting, printmaking, or sculpting. They are often inspired by the museum's collection and special exhibitions. With expert instructors leading the way, participants can develop their artistic skills and create their own masterpieces in a stimulating environment.
Duration: Varies; can be two hours to multiple sessions over weeks · Price: Varies; some sessions may be free, others charge a fee for materials and tuition
10. Curator-Led Exhibition Tours
Take advantage of the unique opportunity to join curator-led tours of special exhibitions at the Ashmolean Museum. These tours offer an exclusive chance to hear directly from the experts who have a deep understanding and involvement with the exhibits on display. Tour participants will gain valuable insights into the background of the artefacts, behind-the-scenes stories of the exhibition's curation, and the historical and cultural context of the pieces presented.
Duration: 1 hour · Price: Free with entry to the exhibition; some exhibitions may require a purchased ticket

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Top 10 things to do in Ashmolean Museum

1. Guided Tour of Ashmolean Museum

Embark on a journey through art and archaeology at the historic Ashmolean Museum, the University of Oxford's museum of art and archaeology. Established in 1683, it is the world's first university museum and home to a diverse collection. The guided tour provides an expert's insight into the museum's extensive array of objects, ranging from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art. Visitors will discover hidden stories behind the ancient artefacts and explore the world cultures under one roof. The tour typically focuses on highlights, providing an informative overview, perfect for those new to the museum or looking to maximize their visit with scholarly narrative.

Duration: 1-2 hours · Price: Free admission; suggested donation £5

2. Treasures of the Ashmolean

Delve deeper into the incredible collection at the Ashmolean Museum with the 'Treasures of the Ashmolean' experience. The interactive tour highlights the museum's most prized possessions, telling the fascinating stories of how these treasures were created, discovered, and ended up in Oxford. From the Alfred Jewel to Powhatan's Mantle, visitors will get an up-close look at these extraordinary objects. The discussion is not just on the grand history but also on the cultural significance and impact of these artefacts throughout centuries.

Duration: 1.5-2 hours · Price: Free; donations welcome

3. Family Trails at the Ashmolean

Families visiting the Ashmolean Museum can engage in a series of fun and educational trails. These self-guided explorations are designed to help children and their families discover the museum's collections in an interactive way. Each trail focuses on a particular theme or area of the museum, such as ancient Egypt or mythical creatures, and includes a variety of activities such as spot-the-object, puzzle-solving, and interactive questions to encourage young minds to engage with the exhibitions.

Duration: Variable; typically 1-2 hours · Price: Free; some special exhibitions may have a charge

4. Drawing in the Galleries

The Ashmolean Museum offers 'Drawing in the Galleries' sessions, inviting visitors to practice their drawing skills within the inspiring setting of the museum's galleries. These sessions provide an opportunity for budding and experienced artists alike to sketch from the rich collection of artefacts and art in the museum. With the guidance of a skilled instructor and all drawing materials provided, it's an ideal way to engage with the museum's works in a personal and creative manner, while improving drawing techniques and gaining a new perspective on the exhibits.

Duration: 2-3 hours · Price: Typically free; may require booking in advance

5. Evening Lectures and Events

The Ashmolean regularly hosts a variety of evening events, including lectures, talks, and workshops that cover a wide range of topics related to the museum's collections and special exhibitions. These events are led by experts, curators, and guest speakers who provide in-depth knowledge and discussions on various subjects, from ancient history to contemporary art. Attending an evening event gives visitors the chance to deepen their understanding of the museum's offerings and engage in lively dialogues with fellow enthusiasts.

Duration: 1-2 hours · Price: Varies; some events may be free while others require paid tickets

6. Spotlight Tours

The Ashmolean's 'Spotlight Tours' offer visitors a brief but focused look at particular aspects of the museum's collection. Each tour, usually led by a volunteer guide, lasts for about 30 minutes and focuses on a single theme, artist, or period. This is a wonderful option for visitors who have limited time or specific interests, providing a rapid yet informative overview that highlights key pieces and their significance.

Duration: 30 minutes · Price: Free; no booking required

7. Lunchtime Gallery Talks

Visitors to the Ashmolean Museum can enhance their experience by attending one of the Lunchtime Gallery Talks. These informal and insightful talks are usually given by curators, scholars, or researchers and focus on particular pieces or themes within the museum's vast collection. Lasting approximately 30 minutes, they offer an excellent opportunity to gain a more profound understanding of specific topics without committing to a longer guided tour.

Duration: 30 minutes · Price: Free; donations are appreciated

8. After Hours Events

Experience the Ashmolean Museum in a new light during their 'After Hours' events. Periodically, the museum extends its opening hours into the evening, allowing visitors to explore the galleries and special exhibitions during a quieter, more atmospheric time. These special events often include live music performances, themed tours, creative workshops, and more. It's a unique museum experience for those looking for a cultural evening out.

Duration: Varies; typically 2-4 hours · Price: Free entry; some activities within the event may be ticketed

9. Art Classes and Workshops

For art enthusiasts and creative minds, the Ashmolean Museum conducts various art classes and workshops throughout the year. These sessions range from one-off workshops to in-depth courses on techniques such as watercolor painting, printmaking, or sculpting. They are often inspired by the museum's collection and special exhibitions. With expert instructors leading the way, participants can develop their artistic skills and create their own masterpieces in a stimulating environment.

Duration: Varies; can be two hours to multiple sessions over weeks · Price: Varies; some sessions may be free, others charge a fee for materials and tuition

10. Curator-Led Exhibition Tours

Take advantage of the unique opportunity to join curator-led tours of special exhibitions at the Ashmolean Museum. These tours offer an exclusive chance to hear directly from the experts who have a deep understanding and involvement with the exhibits on display. Tour participants will gain valuable insights into the background of the artefacts, behind-the-scenes stories of the exhibition's curation, and the historical and cultural context of the pieces presented.

Duration: 1 hour · Price: Free with entry to the exhibition; some exhibitions may require a purchased ticket