Oct. 28 (Bloomberg) -- The Ashmolean, Oxford University’s 326-year-old museum of art and archaeology, reopens its doors on Nov. 7 after a 61 million pound ($100 million) overhaul.

The redevelopment, put on show to reporters today, was led by Rick Mather Architects, which modernized London’s Wallace Collection. The project will double the display areas of Britain’s oldest public museum. There will be 39 new galleries, four exhibition spaces, new education and conservation sections, and the rooftop Ashmolean Dining Room.

The museum’s collections are used by students of art history, history, archaeology, numismatics, and Oriental studies.

“For generations, the Ashmolean has provided an outstanding resource for teachers, students and researchers -- as well as a remarkable treasure trove and source of inspiration for visitors of all ages,” Oxford Vice-Chancellor Andrew Hamilton said in a news release. With the new extensions, he said, “the special role of the Ashmolean has been secured for generations to come.”

Key to the project was funding from both public and private sources. The Heritage Lottery Fund, which manages lottery takings, gave a 15 million pound grant. The Linbury Trust -- established by John and Anya Sainsbury, of the Sainsbury family of food retailers -- also contributed.

The Sainsburys, via the Linbury Trust, have given a total of 22 million pounds in the last decade alone to recipients including the Ashmolean, Tate, the National Gallery, and the Royal Opera House.

The Ashmolean first opened in 1683 to showcase collections given to Oxford University by Elias Ashmole (1617-92).

To contact the reporter on this story: Farah Nayeri in Oxford farahn@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: October 28, 2009 08:00 EDT