Art, Antiquities, and Adventure Abound at the Ashmolean Museum

Discover the rich tapestry of human history and culture at the Ashmolean Museum, where ancient artifacts meet modern masterpieces. From Egyptian mummies to ancient coins and Renaissance art, embark on a captivating journey through the oldest public museum in the world.

Author:
Numismatic News Staff
Publish date:
Jun 21, 2024

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Visiting the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford is an enriching experience that captivates history enthusiasts, art lovers, and curious travelers. Founded in 1683, it is the oldest public museum in the world. The Ashmolean houses an extensive collection that spans millennia and cultures. Its Neoclassical exterior, a blend of Roman, Greek, and English baroque architecture, conceals its contemporary interior design, which offers a welcoming atmosphere for exploration. Each room and exhibit tells a unique story, connecting visitors to the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece, and Rome, as well as to the artistic achievements of the Renaissance and beyond.

Giovanni di Paolo: The Baptism of Christ — Giovanni di Paolo - The Baptism of Christ c.1454, tempera and gilding on panel; formed part of the predella of an altar-piece painted c.1460, once in the Silvestrine church at Montepulciano.
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One of the museum's most remarkable collections is its assemblage of ancient coins. The Ashmolean's coin collection is one of the finest in the world, featuring over 300,000 coins from different periods and regions. These coins offer invaluable insights into the economic systems, political histories, and artistic expressions of past societies. View amazing coins from the Greek and Roman eras, medieval Europe, and the Islamic world. Often, ancient cultures used coin imagery to convey messages, political propaganda, economics, religion, and even fashion. This collection not only attracts numismatists but also anyone interested in the tangible links to our shared human heritage.

Watlington Hoard 870s AD Alfred and Ceolwulf II — Part of a hoard of 186 silver coins (most of Alfred and Ceolwulf II), 7 jewelry items (all but one of silver, the other gold), and 15 silver ingots. The Hoard was probably deposited in the late 870s by a Viking for safe keeping; at the time, Wessex and Mercia were fighting for survival against a 'Great Heathen Army'.
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The museum's Egyptian galleries are extensive. They offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the people of ancient Egypt. From mummies and tomb artifacts to statues and commonplace items, the exhibits provide an extensive view of this ancient civilization's splendor alongside the everyday life of Egyptians. The detailed hieroglyphics and well-preserved artifacts tell stories of gods and pharaohs, and rituals and traditions, making history come alive for visitors.

Taharqa Shrine 7th century BCE — The Shrine of the 25th dynasty pharaoh and Kushite King Taharqa Egypt 7th century BCE.
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Art enthusiasts will find the Ashmolean's collections compelling. The museum boasts works by renowned artists such as Michelangelo, Raphael, and Turner, alongside impressive collections of Chinese, Japanese, and Islamic art.

Sultan Muhammad Adil Shah and Ikhlas Khan Riding an Elephant. Bijapur, ca 1645, by Haidar Ali and Ibrahim Khan.
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The paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts are displayed in carefully curated galleries, highlighting hundreds of years of artistic styles and cross-cultural influences. Special exhibitions often feature loaned masterpieces and thematic displays that provide fresh perspectives on familiar subjects.

Raphael angel — Drawing of an angel by Raphael: Preparatory drawing for the mosaics of the Chigi Chapel in Rome (c. 1510s), the angel above the head of Jupiter.
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In addition to its permanent collections, the Ashmolean Museum offers a dynamic program of temporary exhibitions, and interactive displays. A visit to the Ashmolean is not just about viewing artifacts and artworks; it's an opportunity to engage with history and culture in a meaningful way.

If you'd like to explore the Ashmolean Museum with us, we are heading there as part of our NumisTravel Tour of London and Wales from September 25 through October 2, 2024. Learn more about the tour and register here.