#99🖼️ Art & EncyclopedicOxford, United Kingdom

Ashmolean Museum

Britain's first public museum

About Ashmolean Museum

Founded in 1683 from Elias Ashmole's gift to Oxford University, the Ashmolean is the world's first university museum, holding art and archaeology from antiquity to today.

Founded in 1683, Ashmolean Museum has been welcoming visitors for over 343 years. Today it draws approximately 850,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited art & encyclopedic museums in the world. Located in Oxford, United Kingdom, the museum holds a rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 7,000 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.

Why Ashmolean Museum ranks #99

Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #99 in our composite ranking, Ashmolean Museum represents the kind of institution that rewards a deliberate visit — less visited than the mega-museums, but no less rewarding in what it offers. Key recognitions include: Free entry, World's first public museum.

Must-see highlights

With a recommended visit time of 2–3 hours, planning your route through Ashmolean Museum is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:

◆Alfred Jewel
◆Powhatan's Mantle
◆Egyptian galleries
◆Pre-Raphaelite collection
◆Free entry

Recognition & awards

Ashmolean Museum has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:

Free entryWorld's first public museum

Planning your visit

Opening hours: Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00. Closed Mon. Free.

How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 2–3 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.

Getting there: Ashmolean Museum is located in Oxford, United Kingdom at coordinates 51.7553°N, -1.2604°E. View on Google Maps →

Visitor tips: The museum is manageable in a single visit, but arriving early helps you avoid peak crowds. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.

History of Ashmolean Museum

Ashmolean Museum was established in 1683, making it one of the oldest museums in the world. Over the centuries, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in Oxford. With 850,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in United Kingdom's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important art & encyclopedic museums in the Europe region.

Other top art & encyclopedic museums

If you enjoy art & encyclopedic museums like Ashmolean Museum, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:

#1Musée du LouvreParis, France
#2The Metropolitan Museum of ArtNew York, United States
#3Vatican MuseumsVatican City, Vatican City
#4British MuseumLondon, United Kingdom
#5State Hermitage MuseumSaint Petersburg, Russia

Frequently asked questions

What are the opening hours of Ashmolean Museum?

Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00. Closed Mon. Free. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.

How long should I spend at Ashmolean Museum?

Most visitors recommend spending 2–3 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.

Where is Ashmolean Museum located?

Ashmolean Museum is located in Oxford, United Kingdom. The exact coordinates are 51.7553°, -1.2604°. You can find directions via Google Maps.

What is Ashmolean Museum known for?

Britain's first public museum. Key highlights include Alfred Jewel, Powhatan's Mantle, Egyptian galleries. The museum holds a 4.7/5 rating from 7,000 reviews.