Ashmolean Museum reopens to the public with pre-booking now essential

The Ashmolean Museum has reopened to the public following their temporary closure in March in response to the Covid crisis. The museum was officially reopened on Monday 10 August 2020 and is open every day from 10am-5pm.

To allow for social distancing and prevent over-crowding, entry to the museum is now by pre-booked timed slots only, which can only be reserved online in advance. Further safety measures include one-way routes and visitors requiring face-coverings during their visit. Ashmolean staff have worked tirelessly to adapt the museum building and have put in place measures to ensure people will have a safe and enjoyable visit. The Ashmolean has achieved the industry safety standard, ‘We’re Good to Go’, awarded by Visit England.

In addition to the permanent collections, people will be able to visit the critically acclaimed Young Rembrandt exhibition which, thanks to the generosity of the lenders, will be extended until 1 November 2020. The museum will also feature a new free exhibition, Scene Through Wood: a Century of Wood Engraving which includes 100 astonishing works by artists from the 19th century right up to the present.

Dr Xa Sturgis, Director of Ashmolean Museum, says: ‘It is wonderful to be able to welcome people back - they have been sorely missed. Art needs an audience and at a time like this, we are all in need of the things museums offer us – enjoyment, reflection and escape.’

Those who are unable to visit the museum at the moment can enjoy stories and images from the collections on the Ashmolean website.

Find out more and book your ticket