Ashmolean Highlights Tour

An expert-led tour through one of Britain's oldest museums, covering Egyptian mummies, Pre-Raphaelite masterworks, and contemporary installations. The Ashmolean holds 5,000+ years of art and antiquities across six floors. Guides focus on key pieces rather than exhaustive coverage, making it accessible for first-time visitors. Admission to the museum is free; the tour adds curatorial insight and access priority. Best for art history students and cultural travellers. This is a easy activity lasting 1 hour. Group size: 8-15. You meet at Museum main entrance. Key highlights: Egyptian mummies with intact wrappings and cartonnage, Pre-Raphaelite paintings including works by Rossetti and Burne-Jones, Michelangelo drawings and Renaissance prints.

Price: £8

Duration: 1 hour

Difficulty: easy

Group size: 8-15

Best for: art history students and cultural travellers

Best time: Book Wednesday or Thursday morning tours for smallest crowds. Avoid Saturdays and school holidays. Tours run at 11am and 2pm weekends only.

Meeting point: Museum main entrance

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

0-5 min Gather at main entrance and receive tour orientation - Guide outlines the tour route and explains key themes connecting displayed artworks.

5-20 min Egyptian galleries: mummies, coffins, and funerary objects - See well-preserved human remains and hieroglyphic inscriptions dating to 2000 BCE.

20-35 min Pre-Raphaelite collection on the second floor - View works by Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Edward Burne-Jones, with guide context on symbolism.

35-50 min Contemporary art and rotating exhibitions - Tour shifts to modern installations and current special exhibitions on display.

50-60 min Final highlight or collection area, Q&A, and tour conclusion - Guide answers questions and suggests additional galleries to explore independently.

The whole experience takes 1 hour. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Museum main entrance.

• Egyptian mummies with intact wrappings and cartonnage
• Pre-Raphaelite paintings including works by Rossetti and Burne-Jones
• Michelangelo drawings and Renaissance prints
• Asian ceramics and Greek sculptures
• Contemporary art installations in the upper galleries
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible on ground and second floors. Lifts available. Upper floors (3-6) require stairs or limited lift access. Accessible toilets on ground floor.

What is included: Guided expert commentary, Priority access to popular galleries during busy times, Museum floor access.

Not included: Museum general admission (free, but not included in tour price), Special exhibition entry fees, Refreshments or café access. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, Notebook or phone for notes, Light jacket (museum temperature controlled). Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Book Wednesday or Thursday morning tours for smallest crowds. Avoid Saturdays and school holidays. Tours run at 11am and 2pm weekends only..

Tip: Free general admission

Tip: Tours run weekends only

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible on ground and second floors. Lifts available. Upper floors (3-6) require stairs or limited lift access. Accessible toilets on ground floor..

Operator: Ashmolean Museum | Book directly (opens in new tab) | Phone: +44 1865 278299

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Bodleian Library (8 min walk)
• Pitt Rivers Museum (12 min walk)
• University Parks (10 min walk)

This activity is run by Ashmolean Museum.

Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 48 hours before tour. Tours are non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours..

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible on ground and second floors. Lifts available. Upper floors (3-6) require stairs or limited lift access. Accessible toilets on ground floor..

Best time to go: Book Wednesday or Thursday morning tours for smallest crowds. Avoid Saturdays and school holidays. Tours run at 11am and 2pm weekends only..

What's the difference between the Ashmolean tour and visiting independently?

The tour provides expert interpretation, context on artworks, and a curated selection of highlights rather than the full collection. Guides explain symbolism, historical connections, and artistic techniques. Independent visits offer flexibility to spend longer on preferred galleries.

Do I need to pay admission in addition to the tour price?

No. General admission to the Ashmolean is free. The £8 tour fee covers expert guidance only. Special exhibitions may charge separately if you choose to visit them after the tour.

How many floors does the tour cover?

Tours typically cover three to four floors, focusing on the most significant collections: Egyptian antiquities, Pre-Raphaelite art, and contemporary installations. The exact route varies depending on current exhibitions and group fitness levels.