Tomorrow (Saturday, November 7) the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford will open to reveal the new gallery space designed by architect Rich Mather. The Ashmolean is the UK’s oldest public museum, dating back to the 17th century, and houses treasures such as paintings by Titian and the lantern carried by Guy Fawkes.
The museum takes its name from collector Elias Ashmole, a founder member of the Royal Society, who apparently possessed the secret of the Philosopher’s Stone. The new building, which replaces all but the Grade 1 listed Cockerell building, has doubled the existing gallery space and includes a dedicated Education Centre and conservation facilities.
The funding for the redevelopment has been supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The museum will be open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm and can contacted on 01865 278006 or www.ashmolean.org.
