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Christ Church Picture Gallery

About

Christ Church Picture Gallery, nestled within the walls of Christ Church, Oxford, houses one of the finest collections of Old Master paintings and drawings in the UK. Opened to the public in 1968 in a purpose‑built gallery designed by Powell and Moya, it holds nearly 300 paintings and around 2,000 drawings, with strengths in Italian art from the 14th to 18th centuries. Highlights include works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Dürer, Tintoretto, Veronese, and Van Dyck, alongside rare Russian icons. Much of the collection was bequeathed in 1765 by General John Guise, with later gifts enriching its scope. The gallery’s intimate setting allows close engagement with masterpieces, while temporary exhibitions offer fresh perspectives on the holdings. Despite a high‑profile theft in 2020, marked by empty frames on the walls, the Picture Gallery remains a place of beauty, scholarship, and reflection, inviting visitors to explore centuries of artistic achievement within one of Oxford’s most historic colleges.

Oxford United Kingdom
Christ Church Picture Gallery
Location

Christ Church Picture Gallery is located within Christ Church College in Oxford, accessed via Canterbury Gate off Oriel Square, with the postcode OX1 1DP. It houses an impressive collection of about 300 Old Master paintings and nearly 2,000 drawings, focusing largely on Italian art from the 14th to 18th centuries with works by masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Rubens. The gallery building, opened in 1968, is notable for its architectural interest and invites visitors to discover a quiet, contemplative space amid the college’s historic setting. Nearby, visitors can explore other Oxford highlights including the University of Oxford’s medieval heart, the Bodleian Library, the Radcliffe Camera, and the vibrant Oriel Square area, which offers cafes, shops, and historic charm. The Picture Gallery offers a rich artistic experience nestled within the scholarly atmosphere of one of Oxford’s most famous colleges.

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