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A World of Stories
A World of Stories
The Ashmolean Museum is one of Oxford's oldest and most exciting places. Founded in 1683, it is the oldest public museum in Britain and the first university museum in the world. It began with a gift from Elias Ashmole, who believed that everyone should learn about nature and history.
Today, the museum has objects from many cultures and thousands of years of history. You can see Egyptian mummies, Greek and Roman statues, Chinese pottery, Japanese samurai armour and modern paintings.
Look out for famous objects like the Alfred Jewel, the Guy Fawkes Lantern and Powhatan's Mantle from North America. Each gallery tells the story of the people who made these things, from artists and kings to travellers and ordinary families.
The Ashmolean is more than a place to look at old objects. It is a journey around the world, full of surprising stories and creative ideas.
The Ashmolean Museum has shared knowledge and culture for more than 300 years. Its collection includes important artworks, archaeological finds and scientific instruments from many parts of the world.
On your visit, you will see how people in different times and cultures made objects, solved problems and tried to understand the world.
The Timetable for the Trip
The Timetable for the Trip
0:00 – Meet at Ruskin College for a welcome and safety briefing by Activity Leaders.
0:05 – Depart Ruskin College and travel by public transport to the Ashmolean Museum.
0:30 – Arrive at the Ashmolean Museum.
0:35 – The group gathers outside the main entrance. Activity Leader gives an introduction to the museum’s history and what to expect during the visit.
0:40 – Begin the self-guided tour of the Ashmolean Museum.
1:40 – Regroup in a central gallery or the museum’s rooftop terrace for a wrap-up. Activity Leaders answer questions, collect feedback, and take a group photo.
1:45 – Prepare for departure; students gather belongings and use restrooms if needed.
1:50 – Leave the Ashmolean Museum and begin the return journey by public transport.
2:15 – Arrive back at Ruskin College.
The Grand Entrance
The Grand Entrance
Walk through the Ashmolean's grand entrance, with its tall pillars. The museum opened in 1683 and is the oldest public museum in Britain. It began with the collection of Elias Ashmole, who wanted everyone to learn from rare and interesting objects.
Look out for: the "cabinet of curiosities" and the beautiful building.
Fun fact: The first treasures included a stuffed dodo and Powhatan's Mantle from America!
Egyptian Mummies
Egyptian Mummies
The Ashmolean has some of the most interesting objects from ancient Egypt, including real mummies, painted coffins and lucky charms. The Egyptian galleries show what life and death were like thousands of years ago.
Look out for: the mummy of Meresamun, hieroglyphs, and statues of gods and pharaohs.
Fun fact: The Ashmolean has one of the best collections of very early Egyptian art outside Cairo!
The Alfred Jewel
The Alfred Jewel
Discover the Alfred Jewel, one of the Ashmolean’s most famous treasures. Made over 1,000 years ago for King Alfred the Great, this jewel is decorated with gold, enamel, and crystal. It was probably used as a pointer for reading.
Look out for: Other Anglo-Saxon finds, including coins, weapons, and jewellery.
Fun fact: The jewel was found buried in a field in Somerset in 1693 and is a symbol of English history!
The Guy Fawkes Lantern
The Guy Fawkes Lantern
See the lantern said to have been carried by Guy Fawkes during the famous Gunpowder Plot of 1605. This plot was an attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament! The lantern is part of the Ashmolean’s original collection and helps bring history to life.
Look out for: The lantern itself, and other objects from England’s past, like Oliver Cromwell’s death mask.
Imagine: What would it have been like to be in London on the night of the Gunpowder Plot?
World Art
World Art
The Ashmolean’s galleries are filled with art from all over the world—paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and more. You’ll find works by famous artists like Cézanne, Picasso, Turner, and Raphael, as well as Chinese, Islamic, and Japanese art.
Look out for: The world’s greatest collection of Raphael drawings, beautiful Asian ceramics, and modern Chinese paintings.
Top tip: Don’t miss the rooftop terrace for a great view of Oxford, or check for special exhibitions in the Sainsbury Galleries!
Raphael, Michelangelo & Masterpieces of Western Art
Raphael, Michelangelo & Masterpieces of Western Art
The Ashmolean is home to the world’s greatest collection of drawings by Raphael, as well as works by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Turner, Manet, and Van Gogh. These treasures are displayed in bright, modern galleries where you can get close to the details and see how these artists worked.
Look out for: Raphael’s delicate sketches, Turner’s view of Oxford’s High Street, and paintings by the Impressionists.
Fun fact: The Ashmolean’s collection of Pre-Raphaelite drawings and watercolours is one of the best in the world, and the museum regularly hosts special exhibitions of famous artists’ works.
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