Ashmolean Museum

Ashmolean Museum Review

Britain's oldest public museum, completely redesigned in 2009, displays its rich and varied collections from the Neolithic to the present day over five floors. Innovative and spacious galleries on the theme of "Crossing Cultures, Crossing Time" explore connections between the priceless Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Chinese, and Indian artifacts, and also display a superb art collection. Among the highlights are drawings by Raphael, the shell-encrusted mantle of Powhatan (father of Pocahontas), the lantern belonging to Guy Fawkes, and the Alfred Jewel. This ancient piece features a large semiprecious stone set in gold carved with the words "Aelfred mec heht gewyrcan," which translates from old English as "Alfred ordered me to be made." The piece dates from the reign of King Alfred the Great (ruled 871-899). There's too much to see in one visit. If you have time, dip in and out; it's free. The Ashmolean Dining Room, Oxford's first rooftop restaurant, is a good spot for refreshments.