New-look Ashmolean Museum set to reopen
by Pete Hayman | 02 Nov 2009
The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology in Oxford is set to reopen on 7 November, following the completion of a major £61m redevelopment at the attraction.
A new 10,000sq m (107,639sq ft) building - designed by London-based Rick Mather Architects - has been built to double the museum's existing display space and will comprise 39 new galleries, including four temporary exhibition spaces. Exhibition design company Metaphor has worked alongside museum curators on the development of the Crossing Cultures Crossing Time strategy, which will see the lower ground floor galleries explore the links between objects that are common to different cultures, such as money, reading and writing.
The upper floors have been organised in chronological order to provide visitors with the chance to chart the development of ancient and modern civilisations, including orientation galleries to introduce key themes. Facilities at the new museum building - situated to the north of the original 164-year-old property - will also boast an education centre, conservation studios and Oxford's first rooftop restaurant, The Ashmolean Dining Room. The Western Art galleries in the original Charles Cockerell-designed Ashmolean building will also reopen after being closed for 10 months for refurbishment.
BAM Construction, a subsidiary of the Netherlands-based Royal BAM Group, was the lead construction contractor on the project, which also involved project manager Mace; lighting designers Kevan Shaw; audio-visual specialists Machine Shop, New Angle and Sysco and Meyvaert display case producers. Interpretation consultants Tim Gardom Associates also helped with the scheme. The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) contributed £15m towards the scheme. Chair Dame Jenny Abramsky said: "The Ashmolean is like a dear old friend to the people of Oxfordshire - a familiar landmark in the heart of academia. Now fully refurbished, this wonderful building has maintained its original charm but also taken on a fresh, new energy and openness.
"At the Heritage Lottery Fund, we're really passionate about ensuring our heritage is enjoyed and understood by everyone. The completion of this project is a huge step towards achieving that aim." Ashmolean chair Nicholas Barber added: "Renowned for our collections, the Ashmolean has always held a strong position on the cultural map. But now, with a magnificent new building and inspiring displays, the museum has been transformed into one of the world's great cultural jewels."
The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology in Oxford is set to reopen on 7 November, following the completion of a major £61m redevelopment at the attraction. A new 10,000sq m (107,639sq ft) building - designed by London-based Rick Mather Architects - has been built to double the museum's existing display space and will comprise 39 new galleries, including four temporary exhibition spaces. Exhibition design company Metaphor has worked alongside
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"Culture is the beating heart of this project"
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