Oxford Open Doors has announced its dates for 2023, so keep September 9-10 free and don’t miss out on a weekend full of exploration with 100 different events to enjoy, all organised by Oxford Preservation Trust.
Celebrate all things Oxford; its people and places, heritage, community, culture, science and research – and explore its secret, locked and hidden spaces, with something for everyone.
This year’s theme is ‘Everyday Oxford’! Discover the wonders of everyday life in Oxford throughout the ages, from the hidden gem of the Painted Room, which used to be a 14th-century tavern, to Somerville College’s special exhibition celebrating college staff.
Add your own family memories to the Iffley Families Archive at St Mary’s Church, tour the famous Randolph Hotel, or head to the Rewley Road Fire Station for some family fun.
Take part in a silk-screen printing workshop and customise your old shirts with graffiti designs of iconic Oxford places. Explore the world of graffiti with a self-guided trail. Climb the Castleyard Mound or visit Oxford Castle & Prison free of charge. Visit Osney Power Station and hear more about Said Business School‘s latest development plans.
This year is also about sustainability so check out the 15 energy-saving homes on show and speak to homeowners about solar panels, air source heat pumps, insulation and other low-cost measures will all be
As for the University and College buildings – you will find a warm welcome at Magdalen, Wadham, St John’s, Balliol, Worcester, All Souls and Exeter Colleges.
Check out the progress on the construction of Oxford’s largest-ever building in the Schwarzman Centre for Humanities and the Arts, then go next door to climb the Radcliffe Observatory at Green Templeton College.
Discover the treasures of the 26 Bodleian Libraries with their special A to Z of the Bodleian Libraries programme.
Director Debbie Dance says: “Each year we put together a mix of the old favourites and lots of new places and ideas, and this year is stronger than ever with lots to entice families and young people and so much to share in the generous opening up of our international award-winning science labs and local energy-saving homes.”
Find out more on the Oxford Preservation Trust website https://www.oxfordpreservation.org.uk/content/oxford-open-doors
