The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology was the world's first university museum at its founding in 1677, intended to house Elias Ashmole's donated cabinet of curiosities. The museum, which was opened in its first incarnation in 1683, has been housed within its present building since 1845, which was extensively renovated and redeveloped in 2009. Visitors can explore unique collections of fine art and archaeological specimens, including one of the world's greatest collections of English silver, majolica pottery, and pre-Raphaelite paintings. Other collections highlight items from Ancient Egypt and the Sudan, as well as prominent collections of Minoan and Greek pottery. Major pieces on display include works of art by legendary figures ranging from Leonardo da Vinci to Pablo Picasso.
Beaumont St, Oxford OX1 2PH, UK, Phone: +44-18-65-27-80-00