Ashmolean Museum

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Ashmolean Museum

The Ashmolean Museum
Established	1683
Location	Oxford, England
Type	Art museum, Archaeology museum

The Ashmolean Museum (in full, the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology) is a museum located in Oxford, England. It is part of the University of Oxford and is the world's first university museum. The museum opened in 1683 and houses significant collections of art and archaeology.

History

The Ashmolean Museum was founded in 1683 by Elias Ashmole, who donated his collection to the University of Oxford. The original building was designed by Thomas Wood and is now known as the Old Ashmolean Building. The museum moved to its current location on Beaumont Street in 1845, a building designed by Charles Cockerell.

Collections

The Ashmolean Museum's collections are diverse, encompassing a wide range of artifacts from different cultures and time periods. Key areas include:

• Ancient Egypt: The museum has an extensive collection of Egyptian artifacts, including the Shrine of Taharqa and the mummy of Meresamun.
• Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome: The museum holds significant collections of Greek and Roman sculptures, pottery, and coins.
• Western Art: The Ashmolean has a notable collection of Western art, including works by Michelangelo, Raphael, and Turner.
• Eastern Art: The museum's Eastern art collection includes Chinese ceramics, Japanese prints, and Islamic art.
• Coins and Medals: The Ashmolean houses one of the most important collections of coins and medals in the world.

Notable Exhibits

Some of the most notable exhibits at the Ashmolean Museum include:

• The Alfred Jewel, an Anglo-Saxon artifact believed to have been made in the 9th century.
• The Parian Marble, a Greek chronological table of events from 1581 BC to 299 BC.
• The Hunt in the Forest, a painting by Paolo Uccello.

Research and Education

The Ashmolean Museum is a center for research and education. It collaborates with various departments of the University of Oxford and offers a range of educational programs for schools, families, and adults. The museum also publishes research and hosts academic conferences.

Renovations

The museum underwent a major renovation between 2006 and 2009, which was designed by Rick Mather. The renovation doubled the display space and improved the facilities for visitors.

Visiting

The Ashmolean Museum is open to the public and offers free admission. It is located on Beaumont Street in central Oxford, making it easily accessible by public transport.

Related Pages

• University of Oxford
• Elias Ashmole
• Ancient Egypt
• Ancient Greece
• Ancient Rome
• Western Art
• Eastern Art
• Coins and Medals