Renovated Ashmolean Museum reopens

LONDON, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, the oldest public museum in England, has reopened after a $102 million renovation that doubles its gallery space.

The Oxford institution first opened in the 17th century. Named after antiquities expert Elias Ashmole, it underwent a renovation that took several years to complete. It now features 39 new galleries, including four temporary exhibition spaces, a new education center, conservation studios and a rooftop restaurant, the BBC said.

"Renowned for our collections, the Ashmolean has always held a strong position on the cultural map," Nicholas Barber, chairman of the Ashmolean, told the British broadcaster. "But now, with a magnificent new building and inspiring displays, the museum has been transformed into one of the world's great cultural jewels."

Museum Director Christopher Brown said the intention of the makeover was more than just new bricks and mortar.

"From the outset, our ambition has been to create not just an improved and expanded version of Britain's oldest public museum, but something significantly different in kind: A new way of showcasing the Ashmolean's remarkable collections, for the benefit of the widest possible audience," he said.