Is the entire Museum closed?
Yes. Following government recommendations we have taken the decision to close the entire Museum to the public to minimise the risks of person-to-person transmission of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
When will the Museum reopen?
We are working hard to put measures in place, following government guidance, so that we can provide a safe place for everyone to enjoy the Museum. We are aiming to open in August and hope to be able to confirm an opening date soon. Do check our website for the latest updates, or sign up to receive our emails.
Can’t you open part of the Museum like the temporary exhibition?
No. The health and safety of our visitors, students, staff and volunteers is paramount so we are closing the entire building, according to government advice.
Will ticket holders for cancelled events and exhibitions be refunded?
Yes. If you have booked tickets for exhibitions and events that have been cancelled and would like to leave your purchase as a generous donation to the Ashmolean, we would be extremely grateful. We will also offer the opportunity to rebook tickets where possible. If this is not possible, all ticket holders will be refunded.
We would ask that you do not contact the Box office directly and we promise that we will be in touch with you soon. We very much appreciate your understanding and patience.
What can I do if I have booked an event or hired the Museum as a venue while it is closed?
Anyone with a private or corporate booking will be contacted directly by a member of staff to discuss options for cancellation, refund and rebooking.
Will I be able to book tickets for future events and exhibitions?
If you have booked tickets for our Young Rembrandt exhibition or for upcoming events, we will be in touch soon. We will offer the opportunity to rebook tickets where possible. You may wish to leave your purchase as a generous donation to the Museum. Where events have been cancelled, we will be offering refunds. Click here to see our ticketing Terms and Conditions.
Will your future exhibitions go ahead as planned?
Currently there is no change to our future programme. Updates will be published at www.ashmolean.org
Can you extend the duration of your Rembrandt exhibition after the Museum reopens?
We will review the resumption of business and the duration of our temporary exhibitions at a later date. Updates will be published at www.ashmolean.org
How can students and academics access the collections for teaching and research while the Museum is closed?
Students who have scheduled teaching in the Museum should contact their faculties to discuss teaching schedules and alternative arrangements.
Scholars and researchers who have booked sessions in the Museum’s study rooms will be contacted by a member of Ashmolean staff to discuss cancellation and re-booking.
Every effort will be made to help scholars and researchers who need information from our academic departments and subject-area experts, but there may be a period of delay in providing information and images.
Will the Museum be vulnerable to theft if it is closed for an extended period?
No. The Museum has 24-hour security, regardless of periods of closure.
Will you still be lending objects to external organisations and exhibitions during this period?
Loans-out are being reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
What can I do if I am a supplier or contractor for the Museum?
A member of Museum staff will be in touch with you to discuss re-scheduling business.
What will the Museum’s staff do while the Museum is closed?
Many of our office-based staff will, where possible, work from home.
Staff who cannot work from home will be on paid leave during this time.
Will any of your staff be made redundant while the Museum is closed?
No.
How much money will the Museum lose while it is closed?
We are not in a position to provide this information at present.
