Cities
United Kingdom Oxford Oxfordshire Theatre

Sheldonian Theatre

Sheldonian Theatre
About

The Sheldonian Theatre, on Broad Street in the heart of Oxford, is a masterpiece by Sir Christopher Wren, built between 1664 and 1669 as his first major architectural commission. Funded largely by Gilbert Sheldon, then Chancellor of the University, it was designed as a ceremonial hall for degree conferrals, lectures, and concerts, breaking from the Gothic tradition with its elegant Baroque style inspired by classical Roman theatres. Its distinctive D‑shaped plan, intricate timber roof, and painted ceiling by Robert Streater create a space of both grandeur and intimacy. Today, the Grade I listed building remains central to university life, hosting official ceremonies, public talks, and world‑class musical performances. Visitors can climb to the Cupola for panoramic views over Oxford’s spires or admire the auditorium’s historic details from within. The Sheldonian stands as a symbol of the city’s academic heritage and architectural innovation, linking 17th‑century vision with a vibrant contemporary cultural role.

Oxford United Kingdom
Location

The Sheldonian Theatre is located on Broad Street in the heart of Oxford city centre (OX1 3AZ), just a ten-minute walk from Gloucester Green bus station and a 15-minute walk from Oxford railway station. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed between 1664 and 1669, this iconic Grade I listed building serves as the University of Oxford’s ceremonial hall and hosts concerts, lectures, and university events. Its distinctive eight-sided cupola offers panoramic views of the city. Nearby, visitors can explore other historic sites such as the Bodleian Library, Old Ashmolean Museum, Clarendon Building, and the Divinity School. Broad Street is a lively thoroughfare filled with shops, cafes, and cultural landmarks, making the Sheldonian Theatre an essential part of Oxford's rich architectural and academic heritage.

Ashmolean Museum Ashmolean Museum Oxford Museum of Oxford Museum of Oxford Oxford Oxford University Museum of Natural History Oxford University Museum of Natural History Oxford Pitt Rivers Museum Pitt Rivers Museum Oxford History of Science Museum History of Science Museum Oxford Bate Collection of Musical Instruments Bate Collection of Musical Instruments Oxford Science Oxford Centre Science Oxford Centre Oxford The Story Museum The Story Museum Oxford Oxford Illusion Museum Oxford Illusion Museum Oxford Abingdon County Hall Museum Abingdon County Hall Museum Oxford The painted room The painted room Oxford Christ Church Picture Gallery Christ Church Picture Gallery Oxford Convocation House Convocation House Oxford Oxford Bus Museum Oxford Bus Museum Oxford Oxford Playhouse Oxford Playhouse Oxford New Theatre Oxford New Theatre Oxford Oxford Pegasus Theatre Pegasus Theatre Oxford The North Wall Arts Centre The North Wall Arts Centre Oxford Burton Taylor Studio Burton Taylor Studio Oxford Modern Art Oxford Modern Art Oxford Oxford Ovada Ovada Oxford Sarah Wiseman Galler Sarah Wiseman Galler Oxford Castle Fine Art Oxford Castle Fine Art Oxford Oxford Oxford Castle & Prison Oxford Castle & Prison Oxford The Grandpont House The Grandpont House Oxford Christ Church College Christ Church College Oxford Radcliffe Camera Radcliffe Camera Oxford Carfax Tower Carfax Tower Oxford Martyrs’ Memorial Martyrs’ Memorial Oxford Bridge of Sighs Bridge of Sighs Oxford University Parks University Parks Oxford Christ Church Meadow Christ Church Meadow Oxford South Park South Park Oxford Port Meadow Port Meadow Oxford Oxford Botanic Garden Oxford Botanic Garden Oxford Oxford Covered Market Oxford Covered Market Oxford Gloucester Green Market Gloucester Green Market Oxford East Oxford Farmers’ & Community Market East Oxford Farmers’ & Community Market Oxford

User attributes