The Oxford Union
The Oxford Union
4.5
About
Built in 1857, the Oxford Union Library was the Union's original debating chamber. It is a fine example of Victorian architecture and is richly decorated by members of the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood, including a ceiling by William Morris, murals by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Edward Burne-Jones and more. There are around 46,000 books in the collection, ranging over a variety of topics, with the majority being available to borrow by members. Today the library remains at the heart of the Union and is well used (and well loved!) by current members. Individuals are welcome to visit during open hours, however groups of 5 or more must be booked in advance either via email or phone. Please also get in touch if you have an access queries.
Duration: < 1 hour
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.


4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles6 reviews
Excellent
5
Very good
0
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Poor
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Terrible
1

permia
Ireland65,524 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2024 • Couples
It was great to see this, the world’s most famous debating society. In the centre of Oxford the campus comprises lovely buildings, the first of which was finalised in the mid 1850s.

During its almost two centuries of debates world famous leaders in many fields have participated. These include Queen Elizabeth, numerous UK Prime Ministers and US Presidents.
Written June 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

kane47pam47
London, UK120 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2016 • Couples
Lovely student library and quite place to sit and read. The Murals are very dramatic and the ÂŁ1.50 entrance charge is worth every pencil.

Great that we could see the 10 murals painted near the roof very close-up.becauae we were able to walk up to.the gallery level so the murals were very easy to see from high- up!!!

Thank you William Morris etc.al for painting these special murals!!!!
Written October 27, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Matthew C
Reigate, UK873 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2017 • Friends
Visited these again today which I remember very well as a former Treasurer of the Union. They really are so striking and genuinely unique. Stunning and still so full of romantic life!
Written March 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

vinnyjoe90
Cardiff, UK126 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2016 • Couples
This is one place I love to visit, it doesn't change but is always different. Painted between 1857 and 1859 by three of the great Pre Raphaelite artists, Rossetti, Morris and Burne-Jones. Entry can be gained by the Library reception and only cost a pound fifty..
Written August 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

RosyU
Colombo, Sri Lanka100 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2019
It was really nice to visit this place to witness the murals and the library. Especially I was so happy and proud to see the portrait of late Mr.Lakshman Kadiragamar as a Sri Lankan.
Written August 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Glad you liked your visit, Rosy!
Written August 26, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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THE OXFORD UNION - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

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