ACCESS

We are committed to providing full and equal access to Ashmolean spaces, collections and experiences for everyone.

We understand that access needs are broad and diverse and can include physical, sensory, emotional, intellectual and financial needs.

You can read responses to our full list of Frequently Asked Questions at the following link: ashmolean.org/faqs

Our Frequently Asked Questions page includes information about wearing face coverings, lifts, toilets and facilities.

OPENING TIMES & QUIETER TIMES

We are open every day 10am–5pm.

We are often quieter from 10–11am and 4–5pm if you like to visit when fewer people are around.

 

Woman looking at ceramic plates in the galleries

FLOOR PLAN

A Museum floor plan giving accessible routes and facilities, can be downloaded from our detailed Access Guide.

CHARGES

Admission to the Ashmolean is free.

Advance booking is recommended to guarantee entry, particularly for the major ticketed exhibition which often sells out, but tickets for general Museum admission are available on the door – you may just need to wait when the Museum is busy.

We charge for special exhibitions. We offer free tickets for companions and carers of people with additional needs visiting the special exhibitions.

You can find out more, and book tickets, on our Plan Your Visit Page: ashmolean.org/plan-your-visit

You can read our full visitor Frequently Asked Questions at the following link: ashmolean.org/faqs

BLUE BADGE PARKING

There are nine designated Blue Badge parking spaces within easy reach of the Museum: three spaces directly outside the Museum, three more opposite the Museum close to the Randolph Hotel, two spaces on St Giles' and one space on St John's Street. These are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

LEVEL ACCESS & LIFTS

There is a level access route from the pavement outside the Museum to the front door.

There are lifts to all floors and level access to all public spaces, including galleries, shop, café, restaurant and to most of the study rooms.

 

Visitors using the lift at the Museum

ACCESSIBLE TOILETS

Accessible toilets are on the lower ground floor and Floor 4.

Download our floor plan with accessible toilets marked.

BORROW A WHEELCHAIR

Free wheelchairs are available to borrow at the front door. Just ask when you arrive.

ASSISTANCE GUIDES AND DOGS

Guide, assistant and companion animals – including assistant dogs in training – are welcome at the Museum.

Guide, assistant and companion animals must be kept with you at all time.

We also ask that they are identified by wearing a jacket, a harness, or a brightly-coloured collar and lead during your visit.

Water bowls for dogs are available in the café – just ask and our staff will be happy to help.

We strive to be inclusive and supportive wherever possible and reasonable and are happy to discuss your needs in advance of your visit so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

ACCESS INFO & AUDIO GUIDE FOR OUR MAJOR EXHIBITION

Access to the major exhibitions is via lift and the entire exhibition is wheelchair accessible. Handheld labels are available.

Disabled visitors should book a regular exhibition ticket at full or concession price, depending on eligibility.

Accompanying carers can access the exhibition for free with a ticket-holding disabled visitor, but will need to book a free, timed Carer ticket.

For some exhibitions we offer an audio guide, please check the relevant major exhibition page for details.

EXHIBITIONS

PLACES TO SIT

Portable folding stools are available around the Museum for people to pick up and use. There are benches and armchairs in some galleries. We are gradually introducing more seating into the galleries - a mixture of seats to support a variety of needs.

 

Visitors sitting together in gallery, one woman is smiling and chatting with her friend in a wheelchair

QUIET SPACES & RELAXATION POINTS

There are various galleries which provide calmer spaces and seated areas on the different levels of the Museum. Check with staff if you need this or require special help for children - see the Social Guide for Young People below.
 

mum boy islamic middle east activities1284

Sitting at the table in the Islamic Middle East Gallery

 

Families can take advantage of the chairs, benches and games in the Islamic Middle East Gallery 31 on the first floor - usually a nice spot to take a breather - and the Still-Life Paintings Gallery 48 on the second floor is a calming gallery (and cool), with its abundance of flower, fruit and insect still-lifes. The Mughal India Gallery 33 on the first floor is also a nice quiet space with low lighting.

For younger children, on the lower ground floor, there's a drawing table and pencils and chairs. This area is next to the Learning Studio, which also provides a Family Lunch Room at weekends and in the holidays.

SOCIAL GUIDES 

Download our guides created for families with children who may benefit from this additional information.

Social Guide for Schools – Beaumont Street Entrance

Social Guide for Schools – St Giles Street Entrance

Social Guide for Families – Beaumont Street Entrance

Social Guides for Primary Taught Gallery Sessions

Anglo Saxons

China

Egypt

Life in Ancient Greece and Olympic Games

Prehistoric Britain

Roman Britain

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information, view our full Access Guide 

Download our Access Policy and Plan to find out more about our philosophy and approach.

If you have any questions or feedback, please contact the Visitor Experience Team. 

PROGRAMMES FOR PEOPLE WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS

Many of our regular public programmes are welcoming and accessible for people with a variety of needs, or can easily be adapted to meet different needs.

We organise bespoke visits for groups on request. During lockdown and the times of social restrictions, these haven't been available, but hope to recommence the programme in the future.

To find out more, please contact the Learning Department.

Schools and SEND

For information about visiting as a school group, please visit our Visiting as a Group page.