Ashmolean Museum
The world's first university museum — free, with major collections of art and archaeology.
Head straight to the rooftop restaurant for the view, even if you're not eating. Then work your way down — the top floors are the quietest.
The Ashmolean is Britain's oldest public museum, founded in 1683, and it contains a large collection of art and archaeology spanning multiple civilisations. If this were in London, it would be a headline attraction. In Oxford, it's somehow still a place you can wander into on a quiet Tuesday and have entire galleries to yourself.
The highlights
The Egyptian rooms are extensive — mummies, sarcophagi, and the shrine of Taharqa. The European art collection includes works by Raphael, Michelangelo, Turner, and Picasso. The Cast Gallery in the basement holds plaster casts of Greek and Roman sculpture and is one of the most atmospheric rooms in Oxford.
The Alfred Jewel — a 9th-century gold and enamel piece inscribed "Alfred ordered me to be made" — is the museum's most famous single object. It's tiny, beautiful, and easy to miss if you don't know to look for it.
How to visit
You could spend a full day here and not see everything. For a focused visit, pick two or three galleries. The rooftop restaurant has good views over the Beaumont Street facade. The shop is excellent.
Practical notes
Free entry to the permanent collection. Some temporary exhibitions charge admission. Closed Mondays. The building underwent a major renovation in 2009 and the interior is modern, light, and well-designed. Fully accessible. Cloakroom available.
"One of the greatest museums in Europe"
— The Times, Best Free Museums in the UK, 2024
"A world-class collection that rivals anything in London"
— Rough Guide to Oxford, 2023
Nearby
Within a few minutes' walk
