Landmark
Radcliffe Camera
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The Radcliffe Camera is a striking circular library building in the heart of Oxford, designed by James Gibbs and completed in 1749. Originally housing the Radcliffe Science Library, it now serves as a reading room for the Bodleian Library. Visitors can admire its grand dome and classical exterior from Radcliffe Square, but access inside is limited to readers. The building's elegant proportions and prominent location make it one of Oxford's most photographed landmarks, embodying the university's scholarly heritage.
Don't miss
- Photograph the dome from Radcliffe Square, especially at golden hour.
- Notice the intricate stone carvings and the Radcliffe coat of arms above the entrance.
- Peer through the wrought-iron gates to glimpse the interior's ornate plasterwork.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Radcliffe Camera
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inFormer Student’s Cambridge Colleges: An Outdoor Audio Tour4★ · 55 travelers1–2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$9 per personSee dates →
Most bookedOxford University Walking Tour With University Alumni Guide4.9★ · 7,293 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$48 per personSee dates →
Top ratedExtended: Oxford University & City Tour With Christ Church4.9★ · 517 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$109 per personSee dates →More attractions in Oxford
