Ashmolean Museum

The Ashmolean Museum, which exists today, was created in 1908 by combining two ancient institutions of Oxford - the collection of the University of Art and the original Ashmolean Museum. The museum presents works of ancient and decorative and applied art, ancient coins. Of great value is the collection of Western European painting, covering the period from the early Renaissance to the beginning of the XX century.

The Ashmolean Museum was established in 1683, when the antiquarian alchemist Elias Ashmolean bequeathed to the university his collection of books, engravings, antique coins, geological and zoological rare exhibits. Over time, the museum collected numerous archaeological and artistic treasures, which were brought to Oxford from expeditions from around the world. The most popular exhibition is dedicated to ancient Egypt. Here you can see carvings and gold, sarcophagi with mummies and many artifacts related to the daily life of the Egyptians: wooden figures of women and men engaged in grinding grains, cooking, controlling the boat. Several rooms are dedicated to local antiquities. The museum has the famous Kast Gallery, which features 250 Greek statues. Also in the museum there are such valuable exhibits as Paros marble, Stradivari violin "Messiah", Minoan antiquity, an exposition of ancient rings and a diamond allegedly belonging to King Alfred the Great. The museum has a rich collection of ancient coins, medieval weapons and armor.

In the Ashmolean Museum there is something interesting for everyone, both adults and children will like it here. Thanks to the museum, you will discover the enchanting world of classical and ancient art.