FESTIVAL OF ARCHAEOLOGY 2025

FREE FAMILY EVENT

Saturday 19 July 2025, 11am–4pm

 
FREE drop-in activities for all ages

This summer's Festival of Archaeology at the Ashmolean explores being Really Roman, and celebrates the opening of our redisplayed Rome Galleries. It's a free event for all the family and you're invited to take part in exciting activities and tours across the Museum.

Drop in to enjoy a huge variety arts and crafts, demonstrations, and storytelling celebrating our Roman theme.

You'll be able to make your own Roman mosaics, meet Roman traders and get to explore objects in the Museum.
 

DOWNLOAD THE FULL PROGRAMME PDF

 
This event is free and no booking is required. Two talks during the day are ticketed – more information can be found below.

WHAT'S ON THROUGH THE DAY

DOWNLOAD THE FULL PROGRAMME PDF

 

  • Create a Roman Mosaic – Learning Studio, Level -1
    Create your own mosaic using colourful tiles and take home your unique masterpiece.
     
  • Visit Roman Traders – West Meets East Gallery 35, Level 2
    Displays of clothing, jewellery, beauty, makeup and dressed mannequins. See a demonstration of the art of Roman metalwork and jewellery making. Have a go at writing with wax tablets, creating an early La Tène style brooch and embossing.
     
  • Storytelling – 12pm, 1.30pm, 3.30m – Atrium
    Step into the world of ancient Rome and enjoy captivating stories filled with mystery, magic, and legendary characters for the whole family.
     
  • What the Roman’s Wore – 2.30pm – Atrium
    In ancient Rome, clothing reflected a person’s identity and social status. Step into the past by trying on Roman clothes in this interactive fashion show.
     
  • Roman Games – Islamic Middle East Gallery 31, Level 1
    Play traditional games such as Three and Nine Men’s Morris, knucklebones and Tabula.
     
  • Roman Ring Making – Outside the Learning Studio, Level -1
    Make your own wire jewellery to take away, inspired by wire-wound rings popular from Roman to medieval times.
     
  • Lunch facilities – 12.30-2.30pm – Lecture Theatre, Level -1
    Take a break and enjoy your own snacks or lunch in our indoor family picnic area.
     
  • Talk: Introducing the new Rome Galleries – 11am–12pm – Booking is essential. Find out more and book your place
     
  • Talk: The Roman Statue Habit – 2–3pm – Fully Booked. Find out more