Wanloria › Destinations › Oxford › Sheldonian Theatre

Sheldonian Theatre

The Sheldonian is the ceremonial building of the University of Oxford, on Broad Street. Christopher Wren, then Professor of Astronomy and with little building experience, designed it between 1664 and 1669 with a D-shaped plan inspired by Roman theatres. It was paid for by Gilbert Sheldon, Archbishop of Canterbury, who gave it its name, in order to move graduation ceremonies out of the university church. The roof spans more than 20 metres without intermediate columns. The ceiling was painted by Robert Streater: it imitates a crimson awning with gold cords gathered up by cherubs, and depicts the triumph of the Arts and Sciences over envy and ignorance. An octagonal cupola gives views of Oxford from above, including the Radcliffe Camera. Today it is used for university ceremonies, concerts and lectures. It closes to the public when events are held, so check closures before you go.

Things to do at Sheldonian Theatre: 3 missions

• Climb the cupola and find the RadcliffeClimb the octagonal cupola and find the Radcliffe Camera from there among the rooftops of Oxford.
• Walk along the façade on Broad StreetFrom the pavement on Broad Street, walk round the semicircular façade of Wren's building and notice how its D-shaped plan juts out into the street.
• Look at the ceiling painted by StreaterInside the auditorium, look up at Robert Streater's ceiling and find the crimson awning with the gold cords held by the cherubs.

Near Sheldonian Theatre

Source: Web oficial - Sheldonian Theatre