The Queen toured the museum, meeting the team behind the transformation including the architects, designers, builders and museum staff, before unveiling a plaque.

The new building has been acclaimed by both local, national and international media as well as members of the public after reopening on 7 November 2009. The museum welcomed over 22,000 visitors through its doors in the first weekend alone and is currently averaging 6,000 visitors a day.

Rick Mather's design provides the Ashmolean with 100% more display space, comprising 39 new galleries including four temporary exhibition spaces, a new education centre, state-of-the-art conservation studios and Oxford's first rooftop restaurant.

Christopher Brown, Director of the museum said, "We are looking forward to showing her Majesty the new galleries and introducing her to the staff, contractors, designers and architects who have helped to build the new Museum. Her Majesty's visit is a great honour for us and a historical moment for Oxford. it not only marks the transformation of the Ashmolean, Britain's first public museum, but it celebrates opening our new doors to the widest audience, from now and in the future years to come".

The £61 million project has been funded with a £15 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). Additional major support has been received from the Linbury Trust, along with numerous trusts, foundations and individuals.