Oxford: Ashmolean Museum Gallery Tour

Explore the rich tapestry of history and culture at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford through a captivating 1-hour gallery tour. Led by knowledgeable guides, this immersive experience delves into the museum’s impressive collection, revealing the stories behind iconic artifacts like the renowned Japanese Samurai Armour and the enigmatic Mesopotamian clay prism. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a deeper understanding of the past, this tour offers a compelling glimpse into the transformative artistic, social, and religious developments that have shaped the world.

Key Points

• The Ashmolean Museum in Oxford offers a 1-hour guided gallery tour that explores the museum’s extensive collection spanning the ancient world to contemporary art.
• The tour is led by knowledgeable guides and highlights significant objects like Japanese Samurai Armour and Mesopotamian clay prism.
• Pricing for the tour starts at $12.95 per person, with a free cancellation option up to 24 hours in advance.
• Visitors can further explore the museum’s permanent galleries and access on-site amenities such as a café and museum shop after the tour.
• The tour provides an immersive experience that enhances appreciation for the global significance of the Ashmolean Museum’s cultural treasures.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

The Ashmolean Museum Gallery Tour provides visitors with a comprehensive 1-hour experience, priced from $12.95 per person.

The Ashmolean Museum Gallery Tour offers a comprehensive 1-hour experience, priced from $12.95 per person.

Led by knowledgeable live guides, the tour is conducted in English. Guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, as well as a reserve now and pay later option.

Founded in 1683, the Ashmolean boasts an impressive collection spanning the ancient world to contemporary art, including a Japanese Samurai Armour from the 1700s and a 1800 BCE Mesopotamian clay prism.

After the tour, visitors can explore the museum’s permanent galleries and enjoy refreshments at the on-site café and rooftop restaurant.

Museum Background

Britain’s first public museum, the Ashmolean was founded in 1683.

Its collections span from the ancient world to contemporary art, showcasing a diverse array of cultural treasures.

Notable objects include:

1. Japanese Samurai Armour from the 1700s

2. A clay prism from 1800 BCE, containing ancient Mesopotamian myths and history

3. Artwork and artifacts reflecting artistic, social, and religious transformations across time and cultures

4. Key historical figures and their impact on the world

This renowned institution offers visitors a captivating journey through time and a glimpse into the rich tapestry of human civilization.

Tour Highlights

The tour offers an in-depth exploration of the Ashmolean’s most significant objects, providing visitors with captivating stories behind these cultural treasures.

Guests will discover the artistic, social, and religious transformations across time and cultures, gaining insight into key historical agents of change.

From the striking Japanese Samurai Armour dating back to the 1700s to the ancient Mesopotamian clay prism from 1800 BCE, the tour highlights the museum’s diverse and remarkable collections.

This immersive experience allows visitors to delve deeper into the Ashmolean’s vast holdings and come away with a greater appreciation for its global significance.

Post-Tour Experience

After the tour, visitors can access the Ashmolean’s permanent galleries at their leisure.

This provides an opportunity to explore the museum’s extensive collection in more depth, spanning ancient civilizations to modern art.

For refreshments and meals, the museum offers an on-site café and rooftop restaurant with stunning views.

Plus, the museum shop is stocked with:

1. Gifts inspired by the exhibitions

2. Books about the museum’s collections and history

3. Unique souvenirs to commemorate the visit

4. Art supplies and stationery for the creatively inclined

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Visitor Information

Visitors can find the meeting point for the Ashmolean Museum Gallery Tour at the Randolph Sculpture Gallery (Gallery 21).

The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Food, drinks, and pets (except assistance dogs) aren’t allowed inside the museum.

After the tour, visitors can explore the permanent galleries and enjoy refreshments at the on-site café or rooftop restaurant.

The museum shop offers a variety of gifts and books inspired by the exhibitions.

With these details, visitors can plan their Ashmolean Museum experience and make the most of their time at this renowned cultural institution.

Exploring the Ashmolean’s Ancient World Collection

As visitors explore the Ashmolean’s ancient world collection, they’ll discover a treasure trove of artifacts that span millennia and civilizations.

The collection features:

1. A clay prism from 1800 BCE, containing ancient Mesopotamian myths and history.

2. Exquisite Japanese Samurai Armour from the 1700s, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship of the era.

3. Relics from the ancient world, providing insights into the artistic, social, and religious transformations across time and cultures.

4. Captivating stories and historical context brought to life by the museum’s knowledgeable guides.

This immersive experience allows visitors to explore the rich tapestry of the past and gain a deeper appreciation for the Ashmolean’s exceptional ancient world collection.

Discovering Japanese Samurai Armor

One of the most captivating highlights of the Ashmolean’s ancient world collection is the exquisite Japanese Samurai Armor from the 1700s.

This meticulously crafted armor showcases the advanced metalworking techniques and warrior traditions of feudal Japan. Visitors can marvel at the intricate details, from the ornate helmet to the lacquered metal plates that provided both protection and status.

The tour guide shares enthralling stories about the formidable Samurai warriors who donned this armor, illuminating their code of honor, military prowess, and influential role in shaping Japan’s historical narrative.

This unique artifact offers a window into a bygone era of East Asian history and culture.

Uncovering Mesopotamian History Through the Clay Prism

Although dating back to over 3,800 years ago, the clay prism from ancient Mesopotamia holds a wealth of captivating historical and cultural insights.

This ancient artifact, notable among the Ashmolean Museum’s collections, provides a window into the rich history and mythology of the region.

The prism’s inscriptions reveal:

Detailed accounts of Mesopotamian rulers and military campaigns, prayers and invocations to the gods, myths and legends, and insights into the evolution of writing.

1. Detailed accounts of Mesopotamian rulers and military campaigns

2. Prayers and invocations to the gods

3. Myths and legends that shaped the cultural identity of the time

4. Insights into the evolution of writing and cuneiform script

Exploring this remarkable clay prism offers visitors a unique opportunity to uncover the fascinating tapestry of Mesopotamian civilization.

The Sum Up

The Ashmolean Museum’s guided gallery tour offers a captivating glimpse into the museum’s rich collection of historical artifacts. Visitors can explore the fascinating stories behind the Japanese Samurai Armour and Mesopotamian clay prism, learning about artistic, social, and religious transformations throughout history. After the tour, guests can further explore the museum’s permanent galleries or unwind in the on-site café, ensuring an immersive and enriching cultural experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: