A Unique Venue in Oxford – Inspiring Minds Since 1683

From the wonder of the Collections to the dedicated Events Team who will work with you through each stage of planning, the Ashmolean provides a stunning setting for a very special event, meeting or broadcast. The spectacular spaces available for hire offer a diverse range of event venue options for clients; from the contemporary to the classical, all displaying a world-renowned collection that encompasses five millennia of art and history. Your guests will leave inspired.

Unique among Oxford’s venues, the Museum can ensure your event is truly memorable by combining it with exclusive access to the Ashmolean’s special temporary exhibitions. Offering your guests a private view of the world-class exhibitions with a guide is a fantastic addition to your event. Gallery highlights, behind-the-scenes insights and thematic tours can also be arranged to enable your guests to experience expert insight into our permanent Collection, provoking discussion and sparking conversations.

The Ashmolean’s venue spaces are available for exclusive hire on any day of the week from 17:00. Some of our spaces are also available for meetings and filming during opening hours. All of the spaces are fully accessible and the Museum is a COVID-secure accredited venue. The Event Team can offer expert advice on choosing the right space for your event plans. Book a virtual tour with one of the team and explore the spaces and have your questions answered in real time.

Catering amongst the sensitive objects in the galleries is a challenge, but it’s one which is perfectly met by the Museum’s catering partners Benugo. Wendy Ball, Head of Events, explains, ‘Created with passion, their food is sustainably sourced, showcasing the best seasonal produce, beautifully designed and provides an extraordinary culinary experience to inspire you and your guests. The award-winning chefs create specially curated menus to suit all dietary together with clever wine pairings, and creative menu and table design.’

‘Over the years we have developed relationships with our trusted partners to support events at the Museum’. Paul Jeffery, Corporate Relationships Manager, adds: ‘This means we can offer our clients a curated list of suppliers and creatives who share our values and meet our high standards. Our network of professionals will provide those added extras like photography, lighting and AV, entertainment and floristry. Familiar with our event spaces they will work with your ideas and bring them to life in the Museum.’ The Ashmolean can wholeheartedly recommend the right partner for your event.
The Ashmolean offers a range of creative solutions for you to engage your clients and networks.

A private view of the exhibition led by an expert as part of your virtual event; a thematic virtual tour of the collection that links to your business theme; a hybrid treasure hunt through the galleries where your guests direct a hunter in the galleries; care-packs delivered to your client’s door from the fabulous Museum shops. Bettina Zagoritis, Museum Event Manager, comments, ‘Our creative Event Team will work with you, and our technology partners, to deliver a unique, engaging and memorable experience.’

Every event at the Ashmolean helps us continue our vital work to look after and share our remarkable collections with you and future generations.

The Ashmolean Museum was the host for the B4 One: EDI LIVE stream event. See the B4 One Event Stream here: https://youtu.be/JrqMzKiQMXE