Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Ashmolean is the University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology, founded in 1683. Our world famous collections range from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art, telling human stories across cultures and across time. The Museum is open every day, 10am–5pm. Admission is free.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- MatthewW7BrStevenage, United Kingdom63 contributionsThoughts on Ashmolean museumThis museum is huge, it is on a par with the Science Museum, so you will need a day to see it. They have the balance between education and entertainment just right. They also depict some practices which are now unacceptable, but were not for the ancient greeks, and this is explained, no cancel culture here. It is free, although I did make a donation, five hours of interest deserves it.Visited March 2023Written 20 March 2023
- RueWorthing, United Kingdom41 contributionsFantasticI haven’t visited since the amazing refurbishment and Wow it’s good! We spent two very happy long mornings fascinated by everything we saw. It’s very accessible very easy to navigate and very well displayed. An amazing collection and a must for anyone who has even a small interest in historyVisited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 March 2023
- pdhiggins7Walker Valley, New York142 contributionsSo many historical treasures to behold!I knew this place would be impressive, after reading reviews, but I was not prepared for just how impressive it was. Beautifully laid out and impeccably clean, this museum is an absolute treasure in a city that is already steeped in history! We only had two hours and we barely skimmed the surface of what this wealth of knowledge holds! Our two young teens enjoyed seeing the mummies the best, and I was quite the display, even allowing you to watch a video that peeks underneath all the mummies wrappings. The statues throughout are absolutely awe inspiring! There are too many wonderful treasures to list. Definitely plan a visit here, you will be glad you did!Visited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten 4 April 2023
- fmcintyreStreet, United Kingdom116 contributionsGem of a MuseumSuperb collection which highlights their stand out exhibits. Really loved the enthusiasm of those showing and introducing the Ashmolean to young school children. This museum is a free gem really you would be foolish to bypass it.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 April 2023
- Kate LNanaimo, Canada21 contributionsBest museum everI doubt the Ashmolean needs a review as it is a wonderful museum which you could visit multiple times and not take it all in. There is something for everyone and it was easy to find your way round, not crowded. Cafeteria was good place for a light lunch or cuppa and washrooms clean.Visited October 2022Written 15 May 2023
- MarkDF3Boston, Massachusetts3 contributionsGreat museum in OxfordWonderful and varied collection displayed in a very approachable way. The museum is free, and volunteers provide 1-hour free tours that are a great way to gain some insight into favorites (and then I went back to look at several areas more carefully). Graham the guide was especially gifted. A thoroughly enjoyable way to spend a few hours. And don’t miss the rooftop cafe!Visited July 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 1 July 2023
- Peter RMaroochydore, Australia2,419 contributionsGreat Knossos exhibitionThis place was good to come and look at and also see the Knossos exhibition which was very good. The museum has a lot to see and you could spend hours here. Good for the kids to come and see the free part.Visited July 2023Written 8 July 2023
- HUNTINGPARTYSevenoaks, United Kingdom543 contributionsA mustFascinating museum. Very hard to describe but the exhibits are well put together and full of interesting detail. We were there a couple of hours and had only visited 2 floors when we stopped so plenty more to go back for another day!Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 July 2023
- Mike A106 contributionsSo much to seeYou could easily spend a whole day in here. Highlights include the Alfred Jewel and a lantern claimed to have been carried by Guy Fawkes. Enjoyed the ancient Middle Eastern displays as well. Free entry as well which is always a bonus.Visited July 2023Written 27 July 2023
- Bunty8United Kingdom617 contributionsFantastic MuseumOnly had a few hours, but could have spent most of day here. There is so much to see, we will go back. Entry is free, but a donation is appreciated, there is a restaurant and a cafe which we went to, it was busy but managed to find a table and enjoyed soup and cheese/ham flatbread. Well worth a visit if in Oxford, look forward to returning.Visited July 2023Written 1 August 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
6,086 reviews
Excellent
4,274
Very good
1,454
Average
256
Poor
65
Terrible
37
Tony McMahon
London, UK352 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Splendid museum with a wide range of exhibits. Really great Roman, Greek, and Egyptian artefacts. One beef - didn't mind putting my rucksack in a locker - but needing a pound coin to use it that wasn't refunded. C'mon. Nobody carries pound coins these days and charging for the lockers - no.
Written 17 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julia
9 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
More an experience than a visit. With exhibits presented with clear notes and information about associated items.
The space available allowed you to take in the whole of each exhibit, the individual aspects that are often hidden.
The collection as a whole is spectacular, but it has a special value.
It simultaneously adds clarity to the thoughts of those who have already studied their contex, while stimulating the interest of those who are simply interested in their beauty.
The space available allowed you to take in the whole of each exhibit, the individual aspects that are often hidden.
The collection as a whole is spectacular, but it has a special value.
It simultaneously adds clarity to the thoughts of those who have already studied their contex, while stimulating the interest of those who are simply interested in their beauty.
Written 15 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
louiseholistic
Penarth, UK959 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
We visited two days running as there was so much to enjoy. The first day we viewed the sculptures and Pre-Raphaelite paintings, the second day we toured the history of the museum, money and textiles areas. All fascinating and very well curated. Most rooms are small with seating to enjoy the exhibits at your leisure. The basement cafe was a bit tatty, but coffee and cakes good, although the latter a little dry. The rooftop restaurant looked superb, but we’d already booked a table elsewhere. Maybe next time! A well stocked shop, generally friendly staff and lockers to store your belongings for £1.
Written 6 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dean m
12 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
So much to see and do, the whole family had a great time very good range of items. Trip to the roof cafe has amazing views of the city.
Written 6 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Delius17
London655 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
So pleased we decided to visit this amazing Oxford museum…
Not only as the entrance was free, but arriving ten minutes or so before the 11am one hour highlights tour, we enjoyed a whistle-stop visit with an excellent volunteer guide (also free!)
Nice cafe, lovely gift shop, and in every room there were endless gems to be enjoyed.
The building is beautiful too with its combination of the old and the new.
Well worth a visit.
Not only as the entrance was free, but arriving ten minutes or so before the 11am one hour highlights tour, we enjoyed a whistle-stop visit with an excellent volunteer guide (also free!)
Nice cafe, lovely gift shop, and in every room there were endless gems to be enjoyed.
The building is beautiful too with its combination of the old and the new.
Well worth a visit.
Written 5 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NorthStar29937067077
Qatar2 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
A great museum, very nice place to know some art and some history, I was lucky to visit it with my partner we was so happy, very kind stuff, thanks
Written 5 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
S C
London, UK268 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
The temporary "Autumn Exhibition on Colour Revolution in Victorian Art, Fashion & Design" is well worth the cost. We saw it 10 days ago, and it may have now closed, so check on-line before travelling.
Written 26 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Love and laughter 😍
London, UK301 contributions
Feb 2024 • Solo
Benugo are the suppliers here which seem common amongst museums.
I decided to get a hot drink having just got off the train from London. The staff were all over the place and there wasn’t a system as such they were all walking around aimlessly.
The tables are like something out of the arc as were the cups and saucers and leaky teapot.
On a more positive note the museum was spotless and the staff very courteous. The displays were interesting and there were some lovely school groups there too!
Benugo are too complacent and really let this experience down though so they should strongly think of changing suppliers.
I decided to get a hot drink having just got off the train from London. The staff were all over the place and there wasn’t a system as such they were all walking around aimlessly.
The tables are like something out of the arc as were the cups and saucers and leaky teapot.
On a more positive note the museum was spotless and the staff very courteous. The displays were interesting and there were some lovely school groups there too!
Benugo are too complacent and really let this experience down though so they should strongly think of changing suppliers.
Written 23 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
woollymammoth35
United Kingdom9 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
First of all, this is a fabulous museum and free to visit though there is a place to give donations. There are so many interesting artefacts and it is really well laid-out and spacious. We love the Ashmolean and go often.
However, I want to suggest to anyone visiting that they avoid the basement cafe (I am not talking about the rooftop restaurant). The cafe is dull, noisy, and rather dirty. The selection of food is poor. However the biggest problem is it is way overpriced. We paid £45 for 3 (small) sandwiches, 1 kids lunchbox, 4 cakes, and 2 cartons of juice. No hot drinks or any extras. We also had to queue despite it being after lunch time (kids were hungry or we'd have gone elsewhere). And one member of staff was rather rude to us. Next time I will take my family to any nearby chain restaurant and pay a few more £ for some hot, freshly-prepared food that would actually fill us up.
However, I want to suggest to anyone visiting that they avoid the basement cafe (I am not talking about the rooftop restaurant). The cafe is dull, noisy, and rather dirty. The selection of food is poor. However the biggest problem is it is way overpriced. We paid £45 for 3 (small) sandwiches, 1 kids lunchbox, 4 cakes, and 2 cartons of juice. No hot drinks or any extras. We also had to queue despite it being after lunch time (kids were hungry or we'd have gone elsewhere). And one member of staff was rather rude to us. Next time I will take my family to any nearby chain restaurant and pay a few more £ for some hot, freshly-prepared food that would actually fill us up.
Written 22 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EA
9 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Unfortunately, our recent visit to the wonderful museum was dampened by the snooty, disrespectful and egotistical employees who do not seem to know any social etiquette whatsoever.
The majority of staff seem to believe that they are able to aggressively assert themselves during interactions with members of the public and also seem to enjoy tailing us. The way your employees interacted with the us was completely unacceptable and were the sole reason for the awful experience.
We will not be visiting again, nor will we recommend your museum to anyone which is such a shame as you have an amazing collection of pieces of history.
The majority of staff seem to believe that they are able to aggressively assert themselves during interactions with members of the public and also seem to enjoy tailing us. The way your employees interacted with the us was completely unacceptable and were the sole reason for the awful experience.
We will not be visiting again, nor will we recommend your museum to anyone which is such a shame as you have an amazing collection of pieces of history.
Written 16 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MickMMidlands
Midlands18 contributions
where is the car park?
Diane G
Nottingham, UK9 contributions
Yes as above we used Park and Ride
DED32
London, UK33 contributions
What are the opening times and is it open all the year round?
keephoping
gloucs131 contributions
Not absolutely sure of opening times - but the usual sort of times I think? Open all year - but one floor was closed when we were there. I'm sure that there is a website.
JBENNY833
New York4 contributions
nearby hotels ?
Stephen J
Milton Keynes377 contributions
Just noticed your question; have you travelled to Oxford yet? If not, the Randolph Hotel opposite the museum would be the obvious place to stay and central to the rest of the city and university areas (which overlap). The hotel has some history and featured in the film 'Shadowlands.'
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology:
- Treasure Hunt Oxford Walk Tour aimed at younger children (From ₹ 5,379.84)
- Oxford Private Guided Walking Tour (From ₹ 37,658.89)
- City Sightseeing Oxford Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour (From ₹ 1,936.44)
- Oxford Inspires! Private Day Trip from London (From ₹ 92,533.10)
- 24 Hour Open Top City Tour (From ₹ 1,936.44)
- Hotels near Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology:
- (0.04 km) The Randolph Hotel, By Graduate Hotels
- (0.21 km) Vanbrugh House Hotel
- (0.18 km) George Street Hotel
- (0.21 km) The Buttery Hotel
- (0.17 km) The Bocardo
- Restaurants near Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology:
- (0.02 km) Rooftop Restaurant Ashmolean
- (0.04 km) The Alice
- (0.05 km) Wendy's
- (0.06 km) Afternoon Tea at Macdonald Randolph Hotel
- (0.14 km) BBuona Pinsa Bar