Ashmolean Museum for Guides

Welcome to the Ashmolean Museum. This is one of the most historic museums in Britain. It first opened in 1683, which makes it the oldest public museum in the country and the first university museum in the world.

It began with a man called Elias Ashmole, who donated his collection to the University of Oxford because he believed that learning about nature and human history should be open to everyone.

Inside, the museum brings together objects from thousands of years of history and from cultures all over the world. You’ll see Egyptian mummies, Greek and Roman statues, Chinese and Japanese art, Islamic objects, and even modern pieces.

Some famous items you might recognise are the Alfred Jewel, the Guy Fawkes Lantern, and Powhatan’s Mantle from North America.

The Ashmolean has been a place for learning for more than 300 years. When it first opened, it let scholars and curious visitors study rare and unusual objects from different cultures. Today, the collection has grown to include important art, archaeological finds, and scientific instruments.

The museum still follows its original idea: that understanding humanity — how people lived, created, and made sense of the world — is important for everyone.

As you explore, look at how people in different cultures solved problems, made beautiful things, and expressed their ideas. Each gallery tells a different story — about rulers, artists, travellers, and everyday life. You’ll see how objects can reveal the beliefs and experiences of the people who made them. 

"You’ll have time to walk around the galleries at your own pace. Stay in small groups, keep your voices low, and remember not to touch the objects. If you have questions about anything, ask one of us or a museum guide."