The Bodleian Libraries & The Sheldonian Theatre partner to offer New tour
The Bodleian Libraries offers a variety of tours of its world-famous spaces, and starting on 30 August 2024, there will be a new offer running in partnership with the Sheldonian Theatre.
As part of the ‘Ceremonial Oxford’ guided tour, visitors can explore the ceremonial history of the University of Oxford for the first time, on this new 60-minute experience. The tour includes a visit to the Divinity School, Convocation House, Chancellor’s Court and, for the first time, the stunning Sheldonian Theatre auditorium – which is the principal assembly room and concert hall, of the University of Oxford. Ticket prices are £17.50 per person.
Those looking for a self-guided experience will also now be able to visit both the Divinity School and the Sheldonian Theatre on the ‘Bodleian Libraries – Sheldonian Theatre Experience,’ with tickets priced at £7 per person (or a £20 family ticket, which consists of maximum 2 adults and 3 children under the age of 16). Tickets are on sale now for both the tours and self-guided visits, which are sure to become ‘must-see’ Oxford experiences.
About the Sheldonian Theatre
The Sheldonian Theatre is the principal assembly room of the University of Oxford and the regular meeting place of the Congregation, the body which controls the University’s affairs. All public ceremonies of the University are performed in the space, including the annual Encaenia. When not being used for ceremonies, it acts as host to a variety of high-profile events, attracting acclaimed musicians, writers, politicians and artists.
The site that would become home to the theatre was acquired by the University shortly after the Restoration, and the theatre was constructed between 1664 and 1669. Funded by Gilbert Sheldon, Warden of All Souls College, and later Archbishop of Canterbury, the Sheldonian Theatre was the first major design of Sir Christopher Wren, and was inspired by drawings of Roman theatres.
While Wren’s architectural prowess was praised in many scientific and architectural circles (making the Sheldonian a landmark in roof construction, for example) the technical ingenuity is paired with the mastery of the painted ceiling, which was created to mimic the open sky of a Roman theatre.
Robert Streater, Serjeant-Painter to King Charles II, painted the ceiling in his studio in Whitehall, London, before having it transported to Oxford by barge. Each compartment was painted separately and is a self-contained composition. The incredible work of art symbolizes the Restoration — the triumph of Religion and the Arts over Envy, Malice, Rapine and Ignorance.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
Bodleian Libraries Press Office
Telephone: 07718 118141
Email: communications@bodleian.ox.ac.uk
The Press Office is open Monday – Friday from 9am – 5pm.
For out-of-hours queries, please leave a message and email communications@bodleian.ox.ac.uk
About the Bodleian Libraries
The Bodleian Libraries at the University of Oxford is the largest university library system in the United Kingdom. It includes the principal University library – the Bodleian Library – which has been a legal deposit library for 400 years; as well as 26 libraries across Oxford including major research libraries and faculty, department, and institute libraries. Together, the Libraries hold more than 23 million items, including 13 million printed books, over 80,000 e-journals and outstanding special collections including rare books and manuscripts, classical papyri, maps, music, art, and printed ephemera. Members of the public can explore the collections via the Bodleian’s online image portal at digital.bodleian.ox.ac.uk or by visiting the exhibition galleries in the Bodleian’s Weston Library. For more information, visit www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk.
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