The Ashmolean Museum in Oxford has recorded more than one million visitors in a single year, the first time it has reached the milestone in 16 years, the institution

announced on Wednesday.

The museum, part of the University of Oxford, said the latest figures place it around 14% ahead of the same point in 2024, when 879,077 visits had been logged by the end of November. Annual visitor numbers have risen steadily, increasing from 900,277 in 2023 to 942,692 in 2024.

Museum surveys indicate that free entry remains a key incentive for visitors during the ongoing cost-of-living pressures. Director Xa Sturgis said he was “particularly pleased” by growth in attendance from the local community, alongside proportional increases in overseas visitors and families.

Founded in 1683, the Ashmolean is the UK’s oldest public museum and one of four museums operated by the University of Oxford. It underwent a £63m redevelopment during a 10-month closure in 2009.

The museum said its major attractions this year include the newly opened Rome & the Roman Empire gallery and a ticketed exhibition on the art of Radiohead, which runs until 18 January. Many temporary displays, tours and events continue to be offered free of charge or at low cost. Photo by Lewis Clarke, Wikimedia commons.