The Sheldonian Theatre
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The Sheldonian Theatre, located in Oxford, England, was built from 1664 to 1669 after a design by Christopher Wren for the University of Oxford. The building is named after Gilbert Sheldon, chancellor of the University at the time and the project's main financial backer. It is used for music concerts, lectures and University ceremonies, but not for drama until 2015 when the Christ Church Dramatic Society staged a production of The Crucible by Arthur Miller. The building has a prominent eight-sided cupola in the centre of the roof, which is accessible via a staircase leading to the dome over the main ceiling. The cupola has large windows on all sides, providing views across central Oxford, and is open to visitors. The Theatre is used for music recitals, lectures (such as the annual Romanes Lecture), conferences, and for various ceremonies held by the University (such as graduation and matriculation). Handel conducted the first performance of his third oratorio Athalia here in 1733. Today, the theatre is home to regular performances by local groups, including the Oxford Philomusica and Stornoway. The latter were the first ever pop band to play in the space, joined by the student-led Oxford Millennium Orchestra for their first single launch in 2009, then again to celebrate the launch of their third LP, in 2014. The building seats between 800 and 1000 people and is on the grounds of part of the Bodleian Library adjacent to Broad Street. To the left at the front is the Clarendon Building and to the right is the Old Ashmolean Building. Behind the Sheldonian is the Divinity School. The Theatre features prominently in Max Beerbohm's 1911 novel Zuleika Dobson and was used as stand in for Harvard in the 1980 film Heaven's Gate.
Ngo Hai AnhNgo Hai Anh
40
Visited the theatre on our Oxford trip and absolutely loved it. The entrance was 3£ for students (apparently, you can be a student in an entirely different country and still get a discount). The ceiling art was beautiful and the meaning behind the painting gives is even more allure and depth. The best part is the views you can see from the tower up top. Being in the centre of Oxford, the views are literally like postcards. Also I should add that this place had the cleanest toilets I have ever seen in my entire life. It was as clean as my toilet at home.
Ege TemizkanEge Temizkan
20
Came here for an orchestra concert, London in the Summer. Lovely venue as always, it was the place where I had my Matriculation ceremony as an Oxford student. Only upshot about the concert was that we weren’t informed that we had to queue up beforehand and the timing of the concert at 7pm was actually the timing for the doors to be open. Actual time of concert was 7.30pm when we had to queue up, get past security and find a seat. It isn’t any fault of the venue but of the concert organisers, therefore I maintain this 5-star review.
Annie LeeAnnie Lee
00
The breathtaking view from the top of the Sheldonian Theatre is truly worth the ascent and ticket price. As you climb, the historical significance of this architectural gem becomes apparent, and reaching the summit unveils a panoramic spectacle. The intricate details of the city's spires and historic buildings unfold beneath you, creating a visual masterpiece. The blend of history and scenic beauty makes the journey to the top of the Sheldonian Theatre a must for anyone seeking a unique perspective on Oxford's rich heritage..
Neo enemyNeo enemy
30
This is where is all comes together. The Sheldonian. Where the students if Oxford earn their stripes... Or in this case, gowns and degrees. The graduation ceremony is beautiful (conducted almost entirely in Latin, though!). The students are advised by the Pro VC to look to their parents and thank them for the support without which it would become impossible for most to reach the hallowed Halls of the University of Oxford. The Provosts severally doff their caps as a show of respect to the graduating students. Beautiful!
manassaysmanassays
00
Best way to see the Sheldonian is probably to experience a musical concert to take in the building's unique features and acoustics. If you're in the upper gallery, the sound waves come straight up from the orchestra below at 343 metres per second meaning slightly less time delay than you get in the Royal Albert Hall. Concerts by local schools and the university itself are frequent and tickets are reasonably priced at less than £10 - so effectively below cost. As you can see here, photos are permitted.
Chris KellyChris Kelly
00
Nearby Attractions Of The Sheldonian Theatre
Westgate Oxford
Oxford University Museum of Natural History
The Covered Market
Ashmolean Museum
Oxford Castle & Prison
University of Oxford
Oxford Botanic Garden
Christ Church Meadow
Gloucester Green Market
Pitt Rivers Museum

Westgate Oxford
4.4
(6.7K)Click for details

Oxford University Museum of Natural History
4.8
(4.3K)Click for details

The Covered Market
4.4
(4.6K)Click for details

Ashmolean Museum
4.7
(4.2K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of The Sheldonian Theatre
Turtle Bay Oxford
Turf Tavern
Dirty Bones Oxford
Banana Tree Oxford
Slug & Lettuce - Oxford
The Four Candles - JD Wetherspoon
Dishoom Permit Room Oxford
Browns Oxford
O'neill's Oxford
Red Lion Oxford

Turtle Bay Oxford
4.8
(2.9K)Click for details

Turf Tavern
4.5
(2.8K)Click for details

Dirty Bones Oxford
4.6
(2.3K)Click for details

Banana Tree Oxford
4.6
(2.1K)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
Broad St, Oxford OX1 3AZ, United Kingdom
Map
Phone
+44 1865 277299
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Website
sheldonian.ox.ac.uk
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Overview
4.7
(634 reviews)
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Description
Sheldonian Theatre, located in Oxford, England, was built from 1664 to 1669 after a design by Christopher Wren for the University of Oxford. The building is named after Gilbert Sheldon, Warden of All Souls College and later chancellor of the University. Sheldon was the project's main financial backer.
attractions: Westgate Oxford, Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Covered Market, Ashmolean Museum, Oxford Castle & Prison, University of Oxford, Oxford Botanic Garden, Christ Church Meadow, Gloucester Green Market, Pitt Rivers Museum, restaurants: Turtle Bay Oxford, Turf Tavern, Dirty Bones Oxford, Banana Tree Oxford, Slug & Lettuce - Oxford, The Four Candles - JD Wetherspoon, Dishoom Permit Room Oxford, Browns Oxford, O'neill's Oxford, Red Lion Oxford
