FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We look forward to welcoming you back. Find answers here to some of your most commonly-asked visiting and booking questions.
VISITOR AND STAFF SAFETY
The Ashmolean Museum is maintaining Covid-secure measures to prioritise the safety of our visitors and staff.
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Monitoring visitor numbers - General Museum admission is free and walk-up tickets are available on the door, but to guarantee entry at busy times, and to avoid waiting, booking tickets in advance is recommended. Booking is recommended for our current major exhibitions.
- Face Coverings – Following the government changes to social distancing in January 2022, we recommend that visitors continue to wear face coverings. Exemptions are listed in response to the next FAQ question, below. The government suggests that face coverings continue to be worn in crowded and enclosed spaces where you may come into contact with other people you do not normally meet. You can read more about the changes on the gov.uk website: Government guidance on face coverings, updated January 2022
- Enhanced Cleaning – Hand sanitiser will be available for your use throughout the Museum and we have an enhanced cleaning regime throughout the building.
- If you suspect you have symptoms of coronavirus, we ask that you delay your visit and follow government guidance.
We will review this guidance regularly to ensure the safety of our visitors and staff.

From 27 January 2022, the government has suggested that face coverings continue to be worn in crowded and enclosed spaces where you may come into contact with other people you do not normally.
We continue to recommend that visitors wear face coverings inside the Museum during their visit.
If you need a member of staff to remove their face covering to talk to you, eg if you need to lip read, please ask. We will be happy to help.
There are several reasons in line with Access and Equality that would mean individuals cannot wear face coverings, including:
- Children under the age of 11
- If you have a physical, neurological, mental or emotional condition that means you cannot put on, wear, or remove a face covering
- If putting on, wearing, or removing a face covering would cause you severe distress
- If you are travelling with, or providing assistance to, someone who relies on lip reading to communicate
- If you need to eat, drink, or take medication you can remove your face covering
- If you are asked to remove your face covering by a security officer or other member of staff
- If you require First Aid assistance or need to signal for urgent assistance from staff
We will regularly review our guidance to ensure the safety of our visitors and staff.
For full guidance relating to face coverings in museums and galleries, please visit the gov.uk website:
Government guidance on face coverings, updated January 2022
Any information that we collect during the booking process is collected and used in line with GDPR. Our Privacy Policy can be read at the following link: Ashmolean Ticket Privacy Policy
Yes, risks have been carefully assessed and are reviewed constantly.
We have made a few changes to the Museum to comply with the government’s guidance on managing the risk of Covid-19. We have carried out risk assessments for our employees and visitors, which we will review if any changes are made to the advice.
MUSEUM & EXHIBITION TICKETS
Advance booking is recommended to guarantee entry if you are travelling a long distance to the Museum or are only able to visit within a small window of time. But walk-up tickets for general Museum admission are available on the door – you may just need to wait when the Museum is busy.
Advance booking is essential for the Labyrinth exhibition which may sell out. To avoid disappointment, please arrive within your time slot.
Please visit our Plan Your Visit page to find our booking links, or, if you are not able to book online, please telephone the box office on 01865 278112. Please be aware we have limited resource to answer calls, so online booking is recommended.
Booking fees for general admission tickets have been waived at this present time if you book online. Please note a booking fee is added for booking our major exhibition tickets online. Telephone bookings may incur a booking fee to help support the Museum and cover the costs of staffing our Box Office.
There are multiple ticket options available:
- FREE Museum General Admission tickets – These free tickets permit entry to the Museum collections, free temporary displays, café and shop only. Plan your visit
- Ashmolean Adventure Family tickets – These tickets are for our families multimedia guide, which can be booked for families of up to 6 people. Tickets include general entry to the Museum, including the café and shop. Please be aware, if booking an afternoon ticket, that the Ashmolean closes at 5pm. Ashmolean Adventure – find out more
- Lunch or Afternoon Tea on the Rooftop tickets – Lunch and Afternoon tea bookings include general admission to the Museum after your visit to the restaurant. Please be aware, if booking an afternoon ticket, that the Ashmolean closes at 5pm. Rooftop Restaurant – find out more
- DAYTIME Exhibition + Museum General Admission tickets – These tickets (time slots to 4pm) permit entry to the Museum galleries after your exhibition visit. Please be aware, if booking an afternoon ticket, that the Ashmolean closes at 5pm. Upcoming exhibitions - find out more
- EVENING Exhibition + Museum General Admission tickets – These tickets (time slots from 4.15pm) permit entry to the exhibition and the exhibition shop only. These tickets do not include admission to the Museum or the café. Upcoming exhibitions - find out more
No, but we ask that Members and Patrons book exhibition tickets in advance where possible, to avoid disappointment.
To obtain free exhibition tickets, Members will need to enter their 13- or 14-digit membership number.
Expired memberships do not provide free access to our special exhibitions, but we would be delighted if you wished to renew your membership. If your membership is coming up for renewal, we will contact you in advance with instructions on how to renew and book your exhibition/Museum slot. More information about membership can be found on our membership FAQs page: Your Membership
If you are visiting the main Museum galleries only, we would recommend at least 90 minutes for your visit.
If you are visiting the Ashmolean's major exhibition when open, then we would recommend at least 1 hour to see the exhibition. If you have booked a daytime ticket for the exhibition you can also visit the rest of the Museum afterwards. (Evening tickets do not include Museum entry.) Please be aware that the Ashmolean closes at 5pm and this should be taken into consideration if you wish to see more of the Museum after your exhibition visit.
Yes the whole Museum should be open. You'll find any temporary gallery or cafe and Restaurant closures listed here
To find out which exhibitions and free displays will be open when you visit, please visit this link: Exhibitions and Displays
The Western Art Print Room is available for bookings.
No, you will be able to stay in the Museum for as long as you wish, until the Museum closes at 5pm.
Please arrive at the Museum to enter within the time slot on your ticket. To help manage the Museum’s reduced capacity we cannot guarantee early entry.
If you are visiting the special exhibition during the day (until 5pm) you will be asked to enter the exhibition within your entry time slot, before visiting the rest of the Museum, the café, and the shop(s).
Evening exhibition tickets (after 5pm) do not include admission to the rest of the Museum, the café, and the main Museum shop.
We will do our best to allow entry if you miss your booked time slot, but unfortunately this cannot always be guaranteed.
FREE TICKETS: Museum entry tickets are free, so if you are unable to make your time slot, we would be grateful if you could let us know as soon as possible so that we can make the slot available for others. Please contact onlinetickets@ashmus.ox.ac.uk with your name, date and time of your booking. Alternatively you can telephone the box office at 01865 278112.
PAID-FOR TICKETS: We do not offer refunds on paid-for tickets, as per our Terms & Conditions. We can, however, change the date and/or time of your paid-for tickets but this may be subject to a booking fee and is subject to availability. Please contact onlinetickets@ashmus.ox.ac.uk with your name, date and time of your booking. Alternatively you can telephone the box office at 01865 278112.
Visitors booking online will receive an e-ticket via confirmation email. We would recommend downloading the PDF ticket before you visit, to show on your phone or device for us to scan, or printing it.
No, you will receive your tickets attached to a confirmation email shortly after completing your online booking. Please print your tickets and present them at the exhibition entrance, or show them on a mobile phone. Entry cannot be guaranteed if tickets are not presented.
Please check your spam/junk folders. If you still cannot find your booking email, please email us before your visit so we can help resolve the issue. Our ticketing email address is: onlinetickets@ashmus.ox.ac.uk
To help us manage capacity, the maximum number of tickets which can be booked online is 6.
If your household or support bubble is larger than 6, please contact our Box Office.
For group bookings (schools, language schools, tour operators and other commercial groups) please see the relevant information below.
Yes, please book a combined Exhibition + General Museum Admission ticket.
All daytime (until 5pm) exhibition tickets permit entry to the Museum galleries after your exhibition visit. You will be asked to visit the exhibition at the entry time you booked for, and to visit the Museum galleries, café and shop(s) after your exhibition visit. Please be aware, if booking an afternoon ticket, that the Ashmolean closes at 5pm.
Evening exhibition tickets (after 5pm) do not include admission to the rest of the Museum, the café, and the main Museum shop.
Please contact the Box Office by phone on 01865 278 112.
Yes, we ask that all visitors book in advance for their visit so we can manage the capacities under social distancing rules and adhere to safety measures.
Yes. You can visit our Special Exhibition for FREE under the NMDC (National Museum Directors' Council) reciprocal entry scheme. Bring proof of eligibility (Membership or Staff Card) with you on the day of your visit and present this with your ticket. Pre-booking is recommended.
Yes, we ask that all visitors pre-book for their visit so we can manage the capacities under social distancing rules. Your carer is entitled to free entry to the exhibition.
Disabled visitors should book a regular exhibition ticket at full or concession price, depending on eligibility. Accompanying carers also need a ticket but these are free. Carers can access the exhibition for free with a ticket-holding disabled visitor.
Concession exhibition tickets are available for University of Oxford staff and alumni, and those over 65.
Discounted exhibition tickets are available for all non-Oxford University students, children aged 12–17, persons under 25, those who are unemployed, Blue Light Card Holders, and Art Fund Members. Proof of eligibility must be presented with your ticket when you visit.
Ashmolean Membership only covers exhibition entry for yourself and any other named members if you hold a joint membership. You may bring guests with you into the exhibitions if you hold an 'Individual + Guest' or 'Joint + Guests' membership. If you hold an 'Individual' or 'Joint' membership then you will need to purchase a ticket for any guests who are not named members.
All visitors must have a pre-booked ticket to be granted exhibition entry.
For any media enquiries about our exhibitions, please refer to our Press information page
Yes, should the UK government instruct us to close the Museum again, your paid-for exhibition ticket will be refunded.
GROUP BOOKINGS
Adult Groups: Adult groups can book a self guided museum visit, an onsite gallery tour or a talk at the Museum.
We are also continuing to offer online programmes and develop new digital content.
To find out more or discuss your ideas please contact Jude Barrett Learning Officer: Adults.
School Groups: Please refer to School Group Bookings Guidelines Below
SCHOOL GROUP BOOKINGS
We offer a wide programme of both online and onsite teaching sessions for Primary, Secondary & FE Groups.
Booking is essential, even for self-guided groups. Without a booking we will not be able to allow entry.
To book a self-guided visit to the main exhibition, please contact the Box Office.
For more information, visit our schools pages:
Please check your booking confirmation letter carefully for information about where to come on arrival.
Most Primary and Secondary taught sessions are directed to come to the Group visits entrance at St Giles where you will be met by your Session Leader.
We may ask self-guided groups to come to the front door of the Museum on Beaumont Street.
Look for the group meeting point on the forecourt. Introduce yourself to the member of staff who is welcoming visitors and show them your confirmation letter.
Please let us know as soon as possible if you need cancel so we can release your space to other groups and individuals.
To cancel, please contact the Learning Department at:
Non-school groups should please book tickets through the Ashmolean Box Office.
Find out more on our ticketing page: Ashmolean Tickets
STUDY ROOMS, EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Some of our Study and Print rooms have now reopened. Find out more on our Study Rooms and Print Rooms page.
We are happy to welcome self-guided groups, and since November 2021 we were delighted to re-introduce some of our on-site gallery tours and talks for adult groups.
We are also continuing to offer online delivery and create new online digital content.
To find out more, or to book a visit please contact Jude Barrett Learning Officer: Adults
SPOTLIGHT TRAIL
If you don't know the Ashmolean well, our new Spotlight Trail guides you through the Museum stopping off to discover 12 of our highlight objects along the way. The trail takes about 1 hour, longer if you pause to see lots of other objects along the way. Take your time, linger as long as you like. Pick up a copy at the Museum, or download a PDF on our Plan Your Visit page: Plan Your Visit
FAMILY TRAILS
Some paper Family Trails will be available, but we may need to restrict their use on occasion to maintain social distancing. Visitors are asked to follow the advice of Museum staff. You can download trails to print at home at the following link: Family Trails
ASHMOLEAN ADVENTURE
Our families multimedia guide, the Ashmolean Adventure, is designed for families with children aged 7–11, but there is plenty for all ages to enjoy. Find out more on our Ashmolean Adventure page.
AUDIO GUIDES
Our audio guides are not currently available to hire.
TOILETS & FACILITIES
Yes, we have accessible toilets, and changing facilities in the Museum.
Our toilets are regularly cleaned throughout the day.
Yes, our lockers are available. A non-refundable £1 coin is required, or payment can be made by card in our shop.
If possible, we would recommend only bringing a small bag if necessary.
Visitors are asked to carry bags on their front, or hold them by their side when in the galleries for the protection of objects that are on open display.
Recyclable plastic bags will be available for small umbrellas. In line with our usual policy, large umbrellas are not allowed into the galleries. Limited storage for large umbrellas will be available near the doors but items are left at visitor’s own risk.
CATERING
Yes, the Ashmolean’s indoor café is open every day 10am–5pm (last orders are 4.30pm). It's located on the lower ground floor.
Weather permitting, there's also a small open-air courtyard for customers to enjoy - adjacent to the café on the lower ground floor.
WHAT IS BEING SERVED?
The café offers a selection of freshly-made meals from soups, salads, quiches and stews to delicious sandwiches, cakes and pastries, with a selection of hot and cold drinks. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.
Our friendly café team are on hand for those with specific dietary requirements.
Cream teas are available in the café all day and look out for our current Labyrinth exhibition-inspired menu, including a selection of Greek savoury and sweet treats.
We accept both card and cash payments.
Food and drink purchased in the café can also be taken away. Any food or drinks bought on the premises as part of the takeaway offer must be consumed outside the Museum so should be bought at the end of your visit.
Our Rooftop Restaurant is open every day from 11.30am–5pm, last orders are 4.30pm. Tables may be available on the day, but pre-booking is recommended.
You can enjoy Lunch menus and Afternoon Tea over the beautiful views from our Rooftop Restaurant and Terrace (weather permitting).
The café and Rooftop Restaurant accept cash, card and contactless payment.
Yes, we are happy for you to use a suitable, empty and clean re-useable cup.
Yes, our catering staff will happily refill your water bottle or provide you with tap water. Please ask at the café counter.
Unfortunately, we do not have indoor seating available in the cafe for you to eat your own food and drinks, but there is a Family Lunch Room space available in the Learning Studio at weekends and during the week in school holidays.
ACCESS
Although the Museum recommends everyone wears a face covering on their visit, we understand that for some people wearing a face covering is not possible. Additional needs may mean you can’t wear a face covering and/or you need to see the entire face of the person talking to you.
If you need a member of staff to remove their face covering to talk to you – for example, if you need to lip read – please ask. We will be happy to help.
There are several reasons in line with Access and Equality that would mean individuals cannot wear face coverings, including:
- Children under the age of 11
- If you have a physical, neurological, mental or emotional condition that means you cannot put on, wear, or remove a face covering
- If putting on, wearing, or removing a face covering would cause you severe distress
- If you are travelling with, or providing assistance to, someone who relies on lip reading to communicate
- If you need to eat, drink, or take medication you can remove your face covering
- If you are asked to remove your face covering by a security officer or other member of staff
- If you require First Aid assistance or need to signal for urgent assistance from staff
We will regularly review our guidance to ensure the safety of our visitors and staff.
For full guidance relating to face coverings in museums and galleries, please visit the gov.uk website:
Government guidance on face coverings, updated 27 January 2022
Yes, our accessible toilets, and changing facilities, are open.
Yes, a limited number of wheelchairs are available to borrow, and a cleaning regime will be in place to sanitise these after each use.
Yes, assistance dogs are still welcome in the Museum.
Yes, limited seating will be available in the galleries but less than usual to allow us to maintain social distancing. Some cushioned seating has been temporarily removed as it is more difficult to clean regularly. There is a regular cleaning regime in place.
Yes, folding stools will be available but we may need to restrict where people can stop and sit to maintain visitors flow and social distancing. Visitors are asked to follow the advice of Museum staff. A cleaning regime will be in place to sanitise these after each use.
Yes, lifts are available. Use is prioritised for people with mobility issues and we ask that people who do not need a lift please use the stairs when possible.
Yes, as always we welcome visitors with young children and buggies to come and enjoy the Museum.
No, this programme has been suspended to maintain social distancing and safety for visitors and staff. Programmes will resume at some stage but we don’t yet have a date.
SHOPPING
Yes, our main shop on the Lower Ground Floor is open.
Our Labyrinth: Knossos, Myth & Reality shop, on Level 3, is open 09 February to 30 July.
You may also like to shop online:
Yes, we accept cash and card payments in the shops.