Ashmolean Museum

Ashmolean Museum
Lewis Clarke · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
Name	Ashmolean Museum
Location	Oxford, England
Type	University museum
Founder	Elias Ashmole
Director	Alexander Sturgis

Ashmolean Museum. The Ashmolean Museum is a world-renowned museum located in Oxford, England, founded by Elias Ashmole in 1683. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious museums in the world, with a collection that spans over 800,000 objects from Ancient Egypt to Modern Art. The museum has strong ties with University of Oxford, Oxford University Press, and Bodleian Library, and has been supported by notable figures such as Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and J.R.R. Tolkien.

● History

The Ashmolean Museum has a rich and diverse history, with its roots dating back to the 17th century. Founded by Elias Ashmole, the museum was initially housed in Broad Street, Oxford, and later moved to its current location in Beaumont Street, Oxford in 1845. The museum has undergone several transformations over the years, including a major renovation in the 19th century led by Charles Cockerell, and a more recent redevelopment in 2009 supported by Heritage Lottery Fund, Arts Council England, and Oxford City Council. The museum's history is closely tied to that of University of Oxford, with notable figures such as Christopher Wren, Robert Hooke, and Edmond Halley contributing to its development.

● Collections

The Ashmolean Museum's collections are incredibly diverse, with over 800,000 objects on display, including Egyptian antiquities from Tutankhamun's tomb, Greek pottery from Ancient Greece, and Chinese ceramics from the Ming dynasty. The museum's collection of European art includes works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael, while its Numismatic collection features coins from Ancient Rome and Byzantine Empire. The museum also has an extensive collection of Musical instruments, including a Stradivarius violin and a Mozart piano, as well as a significant collection of Scientific instruments from Isaac Newton's Opticks to Charles Darwin's Voyage of the Beagle.

● Architecture

The Ashmolean Museum's building is a notable example of Neoclassical architecture, designed by Charles Cockerell in the 19th century. The museum's facade features a grand Ionic portico, while its interior includes a stunning Rotunda and a beautifully restored Cast Gallery. The museum's architecture has been influenced by notable figures such as Inigo Jones, Christopher Wren, and John Soane, and has been recognized by organizations such as Royal Institute of British Architects and International Council on Monuments and Sites. The museum's recent redevelopment was led by Rick Mather Architects and supported by English Heritage and Oxford Preservation Trust.

● Exhibitions

The Ashmolean Museum hosts a wide range of exhibitions throughout the year, featuring objects from its own collection as well as loans from other museums and institutions, such as the British Museum, National Gallery, London, and Louvre. Recent exhibitions have included Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Tomb, The Pre-Raphaelites, and Imogen Cunningham: A Retrospective, showcasing the work of artists such as Dante Gabriel Rossetti, John Everett Millais, and William Morris. The museum has also collaborated with institutions such as Tate Britain, Victoria and Albert Museum, and National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico to produce exhibitions on topics such as Mexican art and African culture.

● Education_and_Research

The Ashmolean Museum is committed to education and research, offering a range of programs and activities for University of Oxford students, as well as for the wider community. The museum's Education department works closely with Oxford University Department of Education and Oxford Brookes University to develop educational resources and programs, while its Research department collaborates with institutions such as British Academy, Leverhulme Trust, and Wellcome Trust to support research projects on topics such as Archaeology, Art history, and Museum studies. The museum also offers Internships and Fellowships to students and researchers, supported by organizations such as Arts and Humanities Research Council and National Endowment for the Humanities.

● Governance_and_Funding

The Ashmolean Museum is governed by a Board of Trustees, which includes representatives from University of Oxford, Oxford City Council, and other organizations. The museum is funded by a combination of sources, including Arts Council England, Heritage Lottery Fund, and Oxford University Press, as well as through Donations and Sponsorship from individuals and organizations such as The National Lottery, Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art, and The Art Fund. The museum is also supported by Friends of the Ashmolean, a charitable organization that raises funds and promotes the museum's activities, and has received recognition from organizations such as Museums Association and International Council of Museums. Category:Museums in Oxford