Situated at Oxford University is Ashmolean Museum, a well-known gem with fascinating exhibits and plenty of diversions for the whole family. Inside, you will find a wide array of exhibits, a fully furnished restaurant, and a gift shop for souvenirs. It is easy to get lost here with all these provisions, so we have compiled an extensive guide to help you decide what to see and do on your visit. Check out this article for a guide to Ashmolean Museum, Oxford.
Things to do / Highlights
Ashmolean is a museum inside the prestigious University of Oxford, and as such, it holds a vast collection of artifacts and items with historical, cultural, and artistic value. The range of displays makes it an excellent spot for sightseeing and historical enlightenment.
Check out the exhibits
The spectacular exhibits usually attract many visitors to Ashmolean Museum. Some of its most treasured objects include a collection of flower paintings by the famous painter Rachel Ruysch, the Alfred Jewel, a tear-shaped jewel that was thought to be lost but was later rediscovered in the 17th century, and some creative Chinese ceramics, including the famous Ding Ware Dish. The museum also has another object of beauty: the Ballyshannon “Sun Disc”, discovered in Ireland during the 1600s, that was used thousands of years ago as button covers or spangles.
Learn about historical objects
A significant number of the objects stored in the museum have historical and cultural value. For instance, the Camel Tomb Figure in Ashmolean Museum was used by the Tang Dynasty as a protection against evil spirits. Also, there is a painting here entitled Arion riding on a Dolphin by Francesco Bianchi Ferrari, which rekindles the charming poetry of Ovid and various aspects of Roman and Greek heritage.
What to eat
When you visit Ashmolean Museum, there is no better place to indulge your taste buds than at the rooftop restaurant. The location gives the restaurant panoramic views and an excellent ambiance, with plenty of natural lighting, proper ventilation, and ample seating space that is rarely crowded. The menu here includes starters, lunch, afternoon snacks, and dinner options.
Lunch
Browsing through the many artifacts in the museum is exhausting, and such a visit calls for a hearty lunch like the pan-fried chicken served with cavolo nero salad or the roasted lamb with a chargrilled vegetable platter and extra puttanesca sauce. If you are vegetarian, don’t worry, as there are vegetarian-friendly options on the menu - for instance, try the heavenly spinach gnocchi.
Dinner
For dinner, savor the delicious chickpea dressed with crushed potatoes. However, if you want something lighter, then the sunblush tomato and lentil curry is the way to go. Further, Ashmolean Rooftop Restaurant understands that good food requires some form of refreshment - that is why they also offer an amazing selection of wine, margarita, espresso martini, and a range of beer. Nonalcoholic choices include fresh juices, coffee, or tea.
What to buy
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Before you leave the Ashmolean Museum, check out the magnificent collection of treasures, clothing, prints, and other items on sale at their store.
Ashmolean-branded items
Some great souvenirs from this trip are branded mugs and the handcrafted leather bookmark. These items have Ashmolean logos that will help you recall the fantastic time you spent in the museum.
Jewelry
If you need something exquisite but sentimental, you can choose from a selection of jewelry, including rings, brooches, cufflinks, necklaces, and more. The gift shop also has matching earrings in stock - the perfect gift for your special someone.
Travelers tips
Ashmolean Museum is accessible to everyone, including the physically challenged.
Wheelchair-friendly
Since it was established, the museum has been committed to providing guests full access to all exhibits. In this regard, lifts to all floors and free wheelchair rentals are available.
Service animals
Another amazing feature of the museum is that assistance dogs are welcome inside. If you have a service animal, you can borrow a water bowl from the on-site cafe.
How to get there
Means of accessing Ashmolean Museum are many. Besides bicycles and personal cars, there are bus services operating in the area.
Car
Visiting with a personal car is a big plus, given that it is more convenient than public transportation. However, take note that parking here is limited. If you do not have a car, you can opt to book an Uber.
Bus
Ashmolean Museum is technically in the city center. If you board City 2 or City 6, it can drop you off to a stop near the museum, and from there you can walk the remaining distance. The nearest stop is on Magdalen Street.
Bicycle
The museum has bike racks in designated areas for guest convenience. If you do not own a bike, you can easily rent one.
Oxford University and City Walking Tour with Alumni Guide - Klook
Duration: 2hrsDuration
Ashmolean Museum information
Ashmolean Museum
Address: Beaumont St, Oxford OX1 2PH, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Cost: Free
Official website: Ashmolean Museum
Department of tourism: Experience Oxfordshire
History
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