The Sheldonian Theatre

Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and built in the 1660s, the Sheldonian Theatre is one of Oxford’s most famous landmarks.

The building, with its restrained classical composition inspired by the theatre of Marcellus in Rome, was designed as a secular venue for the University’s most important ceremonies and meetings, thanks to benefactor Gilbert Sheldon, Warden of All Souls, Chancellor of the University and Archbishop of Canterbury. 2008 saw the restoration of the allegorical oil painting on the Sheldonian’s ceiling, which displays Truth combining with the Arts and Sciences, expelling Ignorance from the University.

Almost as extraordinary, perhaps, as the acoustically superb building crowned with a cupola, is the chain of stone-carved masks which encloses it – some grin whilst others grimace or simply gaze down at the world beneath.

From Handel performing here in 1733 to modern recitals today, the Sheldonian is the University’s most famous concert hall, as well as being the place where Oxford students assemble for their matriculation and graduation ceremonies and where the 4,000-strong ‘Parliament of Dons’ meets to control the University’s affairs.