Oxford University, Broad Street, Oxford , OX1 3AZ
Tel: 01865 277299
Fax: 01865 277295

Above: the Sheldonian Theatre - photo by Paul Chapman and reproduced by kind permission

The Sheldonian Theatre is the ceremonial hall of Oxford University and is one of many architectural gems in the city of Oxford. It is named after Gilbert Sheldon, Warden of All Souls College and later Archbishop of Canterbury; who paid for its building between 1664 and 1669. It was the first major design of Sir Christopher Wren (1632-1723), Professor of Astronomy at the University of Oxford.

The name and design of the building are derived from Roman theatres, open to the sky, and the painted ceiling by Robert Streater expresses this characteristic. It shows Truth combining with the Arts and Sciences to expel Ignorance from the University. The Theatre is now also used for lectures and concerts.Tel 01865 277299, Fax 01865 277295 e-mail Custodian@Sheldon.ox.ac.uk