22 Mar 07

Britain's oldest museum, Oxford University's Ashmolean, enters a new phase today with the start of construction work in a redevelopment project worth £49m. Award-winning architect Rick Mather has designed a new building to replace the late 19th century extension behind the Grade 1 listed neo-classical Cockerell building. His design will double the existing gallery space, allow advanced environmental controls and create a dedicated Education Centre, three new Study Centres and conservation facilities. This is the most important project in the history of the University's art and archaeology museum, which has been in existence since 1683.

The building phase begins today with pile driving, using a technique that limits both sound and vibration to cause the least disruption. The rest of the foundations will be put in place in May before the concrete and steel frame for the light, modern museum extension can be erected. The exterior should be complete by the end of this year, with the inside fitted out next year in time for the reopening in 2009.

The main part of the Museum will remain open during the development phase, with visitors able to see the Western Art and Egyptian galleries and the Print Room. When the building is fully reopen, an innovative new display strategy should enable visitors to compare how objects and artefacts change across different times and cultures. The new space will also allow thousands of objects previously held in storage to be displayed for the first time.

The Ashmolean's Director, Dr Christopher Brown, said: 'The Ashmolean is a unique national education resource, informing and inspiring visitors of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. The Museum is used for teaching University students, and staff work daily with schools and the public, offering insight into the collections. The Ashmolean Plan will ensure not just the creation of a landmark building, but also an enriched future for the Museum's collections and visitors.'