Introduction The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology is a world-renowned cultural institution located in Oxford, United Kingdom. Established in 1678, it is Britain's first public museum and the world's second university museum. The museum houses encyclopedic collections that span prehistory to the present day, with a focus on biblical and Holy Land archaeology.
The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology (Oxford, United Kingdom)
Introduction
The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology is a world-renowned cultural institution located in Oxford, United Kingdom. Established in 1678, it is Britain's first public museum and the world's second university museum. The museum houses encyclopedic collections that span prehistory to the present day, with a focus on biblical and Holy Land archaeology.
Collections
The Ashmolean Museum's collections are divided into three main wings: Archaeology, Art, and Coin Galleries. The Archaeology wing features artifacts from ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, Rome, and the Near East. The Art wing showcases European paintings, drawings, and prints from the 14th to the 20th centuries, as well as Asian art and contemporary art. The Coin Galleries house one of the world's largest collections of coins and medals.
Highlights
Some of the museum's highlights include:
- The Alfred Jewel: A 9th-century Anglo-Saxon gold and enamel jewel inscribed "Alfred had me made".
- The Parian Marble: A Greek marble chronological table listing the winners of the Olympic Games from 776 BC to AD 217.
- The Mummy of Hornedjitef: An ancient Egyptian mummy with a beautifully painted wooden coffin and a set of gilded cartonnage masks.
- The Raphael Cartoons: Full-scale designs for tapestries woven in the Vatican workshops, depicting scenes from the Old Testament.
Exhibitions and Programs
The Ashmolean Museum offers a variety of exhibitions and programs throughout the year. The museum's temporary exhibition spaces showcase various aspects of art, archaeology, and world culture. The museum also hosts lectures, workshops, and family activities that engage visitors with its collections and exhibitions.
Visiting Information
The Ashmolean Museum is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Admission is free, but some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket. The museum has a café and a shop that offer a range of refreshments and souvenirs.
Conclusion
The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art, archaeology, and world culture. Its impressive collections, stunning exhibitions, and engaging programs provide visitors with an unforgettable experience that deepens their understanding and appreciation of human history and creativity.
The Ashmolean Museum of Art And Archaeology (Oxford, United Kingdom) is a world-renowned cultural institution located in Oxford, United Kingdom. Established in 1678, it is Britain's first public museum and the world's second university museum. The museum houses encyclopedic collections that span prehistory to the present day, with a focus on biblical and Holy Land archaeology.
The Alfred Jewel, a 9th-century Anglo-Saxon gold and enamel jewel inscribed "Alfred had me made," is one of the museum's highlights. The Parian Marble, a Greek marble chronological table listing the winners of the Olympic Games from 776 BC to AD 217, is another notable artifact.
The Ashmolean Museum offers a variety of exhibitions and programs throughout the year. The museum's temporary exhibition spaces showcase various aspects of art, archaeology, and world culture. The museum also hosts lectures, workshops, and family activities that engage visitors with its collections and exhibitions.
The Ashmolean Museum is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Admission is free, but some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket. The museum has a café and a shop that offer a range of refreshments and souvenirs.
In conclusion, the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art, archaeology, and world culture. Its impressive collections, stunning exhibitions, and engaging programs provide visitors with an unforgettable experience that deepens their understanding and appreciation of human history and creativity.