Established in 1683, the Ashmolean is the oldest museum in the country. Behind a distinguished façade by Cockerell lies a confused accretion of buildings that neither does justice to Cockerell nor develops the full potential of the Museum. Rick Mather Architects have been appointed to formulate a development strategy for the large scale complex. In collaboration with the staff a full appraisal of exhibits and facilities has been carried out and a strategy created to maximise the potential of the building and optimise the display of the collections. Extensive new galleries are created, linked by a new primary route, to unite the full collection both horizontally and vertically and allow the visitor quickly to comprehend, use and enjoy the whole of the museum.