09/09/2026
Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford.
The Sheldonian Theatre was Christopher Wren’s second work, commissioned by Gilbert Sheldon, Archbishop of Canterbury, as a separate building whose sole use would be graduation and degree ceremonies - previously held in the University Church of St Mary the Virgin. Wren, best known today as an architect, was Professor of Astronomy at Oxford University at the time.
Sheldon initially gave an impressive £1,000 (£177,431 today) and pledged to find the rest from sponsors, but having failed to raise the money, he ultimately financed nearly the entire £14,470 (£2,567,424 today) himself, in an age where a mid-level craftsman’s wage was £2 to £4 per year.
The cleverly built octagonal cupola roof involved: “... creating a series of trusses which were built up from shorter section[s] and held in place by their own weight, with help from judiciously placed iron bolts and plates ... [S]o effective [was the roof] that for nearly a century the University Press stored its books ... and for many years it was the largest unsupported floor in existence ...”
In 1733, Handel conducted the first performance of his third oratorio ‘Athalia’ here.
The beautifully painted ceiling shows the allegorical story of Truth descending upon the Arts and Sciences and expelling ignorance from the university. In 2004, the thirty-two oil on canvas panels originally painted by King Charles II’s court painter, Robert Streater, were removed and conserved, taking four years to complete.
Today the theatre is used for music recitals, lectures, conferences, various ceremonies held by the University (such as Encaemia, graduation, matriculation and congregation).
There are great 360 views of Oxford and the Bodleian from the cupola.
📍 Sheldonian Theatre, Broad St, Oxford OX1 3AZ.
📆 Open: Monday - Sunday 10:00 - 17:00 (check website, as it’s often closed for University events).
🎟️ Adults £8.25 / Concessions £7.00. Free for Oxford Uni students, staff & alumni, and Under 5’s.
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