Sheldonian Theatre, University of Oxford

Image credit: Ozeye, CC BY SA 3.0 (source: Wikimedia Commons)

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The Sheldonian Theatre is sited at the east end of Broad Street and forms part of the group of University buildings which mark the historic and ceremonial heart of Oxford University. The Sheldonian was built to a design by Christopher Wren between 1664 and 1669, is Grade I listed and was described in 1994 by the European Commission as ‘one of the architectural jewels of Oxford’. The Sheldonian Theatre was originally designed as, and remains to this day, the principal assembly room of the University, and the regular meeting-place of Congregation, the body of resident Masters of Arts which controls the University’s affairs. The building was also originally designed to accommodate the University Press, (who subsequently relocated to the neighbouring Clarendon Building in 1713). It was constructed between 1664 and 1669, funded by Gilbert Sheldon, Warden of All Souls College and later Archbishop of Canterbury, and was the first major design of Sir Christopher Wren (1632–1723).

Broad Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX1 3AZ England

custodian@sheldon.ox.ac.uk

01865 277299

Subject to University ceremonies and organised events being held within the building, the Sheldonian Theatre is normally open to the public six days a week from Monday to Saturday inclusive (10am–12.30pm and 2pm–4.30pm during summer months; closing 3.30pm during winter months) and on Sundays in July and August (10.30am–3.30pm).

http://www.ox.ac.uk/subsite/sheldonian_theatre/sheldonian_theatre/