Events

University or College events, which are open to everyone, are listed here.

If you're thinking about applying for an undergraduate degree at Oxford, please also see the information on open days, events and visiting for potential undergraduates.

Online and part-time courses at the University, as well as weekly classes, are offered at the Department for Continuing Education. Please see the course listing for more information.

Image of study of a kingfisher, John Ruskin watercolour (1871)

Colour Revolution: Victorian Art, Fashion & Design

21 Sep 2023 to 18 Feb 2024

From dazzling dyes in chic corsets and the flamboyant use of nature's beauty in exquisite jewellery, to the shimmering splendour of ceramics and bold experiments by avant-garde painters, rediscover Victorian society as a vibrant colour-filled era in this major new exhibition. As Britain’s industrial revolution gained pace, new scientific breakthroughs allowed the Victorians to become increasingly revolutionary in their use of colour, with new hues greeted with both excitement and suspicion. Featuring works by artists including Ruskin, Rossetti and Whistler, and objects from around the world, this exhibition explores the vital role that colour has played in shaping our art and culture. Image: Study of a kingfisher, John Ruskin watercolour (1871). Copyright: Ashmolean Museum.

Mother and daughter looking at exhibition in glass display case in a museum

The Beatrice Blackwood Lecture 2023: Why Museums?

Friday 29 September

Museums are the custodians of the history of humanity and the extraordinary artistic and scientific achievements of civilisations, preserving evidence for future generations. Today they are expected to educate, inspire and entertain but have also become contested spaces, dealing with controversial issues around restitution, colonialism, human remains, sponsorship and climate change. Sir Paul Ruddock is a trustee of the British Museum and the Metropolitan Museum, New York. His talk will describe the origins of the modern museum and their historical role, with a focus in the 19th century on categorisation and documentation along with a growing curiosity about global cultures. Join Sir Paul as he talks about past, present and future museums and their evolving role in society.

Image of a young seedling with beams of sunlight on it

Have plants tapped into the fountain of eternal youth?

Thursday 19 October

Aging is irreversible… or is it? Vitality declines with age in humans and other animals, but do plants experience the same trajectory? Join Dr Roberto Salguero-Gómez, Associate Professor in the Department of Biology, as he discusses some of the research from his lab group exploring mechanisms plants use to postpone the onset of aging. 'Have plants tapped into the fountain of eternal youth?' is the first Autumn Science Lecture 2023 from Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum. The series of talks from five distinguished speakers working in the field of plant sciences are free and open to all. Other talks in the series include 'Prescribing Nature: Understanding what happens when we see, touch and smell nature' and 'Tropical forests and planet earth: A macroscope view'.