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?
This is not yet known. We will monitor government advice throughout this period and aim to reopen as soon as it is safe to do so.
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 and are prioritising those customers who have tickets for March or April. 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.
MEMBERSHIP
What happens to my membership during the closure?
We will be extending all current memberships for an extra three months so you can continue to enjoy other membership benefits such as your Members’ mailing whilst our doors are closed to the public. If your membership is up for renewal in the coming months, we will contact you separately with more information.
As a Member your support is now more crucial than ever – thank you for being a part of the Ashmolean. We look forward to welcoming you back when the Ashmolean reopens.
What happens if I join as a member during the closure?
If you purchase a Membership during the closure, your membership will start from the date the Ashmolean reopens so you will receive your full year of membership benefits. Your support as a Member is now more crucial than ever – thank you for being a part of the Ashmolean.
Will you notify us when the Museum opens to the public again?
Yes we will. If you have recently changed your email address please notify the Membership Office by emailing us at membership@ashmus.ox.ac.uk and we will update our records.
I am booked on a Members’ lecture and/or trip. What happens to my ticket?
In line with Public Health England, and in order to safeguard the safety of our Members, staff and volunteers, we have made the decision to cancel the Spring/Summer 2020 programme of Members’ events. We are looking to reschedule as many of these events as possible in 2021, and if you are a ticket holder to any of these events, you will be given first priority to re-book on these events if you wish. In the coming weeks we will be contacting you separately to refund your ticket(s) over the phone.
What can I enjoy from the Ashmolean during the closure?
Our ever-growing Online Collections Website can be accessed wherever you are, and you can also discover fascinating stories from our collections on our website. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube at @AshmoleanMuseum for the latest news and updates.
