Major milestone for Radcliffe Observatory

Green Templeton College, University of Oxford is delighted to announce today the completion of south landscaping to the Radcliffe Observatory. This establishes a shared landscape at the heart of the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter ahead of the public opening of The Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities.

Work will continue to complete Phase 1 of the Radcliffe Observatory project. Made possible by the Stephen A. Schwarzman Foundation, this includes a new main entrance to Green Templeton College through the East wing of the building and accessible ramps to all entrances.

This milestone also marks the start of a public campaign to secure vital funding for Phase 2, the conservation and decarbonisation of the building. The college will undertake substantial window repair and restorations and seeks to carry out additional external repairs, including to the roof lead work, stairwell skylight and stonework.

Green Templeton is inviting supporters to play a vital role in this transformation

Supporters are invited to become part of the Radcliffe Observatory’s next chapter. The college is today establishing two new societies, the Radcliffe 250 and the Radcliffe 100. Limited to 250 individuals and 100 organisations respectively, members will form a select community aligned with the significance of the Observatory and the ambition it represents. Membership provides a seven-year association, with each supporter acknowledged through a permanent installation within the new main entrance. Society members will also be invited to an exclusive programme of events and opportunities.

Watch the first film that sets out what is at stake – and why support is now needed

The college is also today launching a new film that bring the story of the Radcliffe Observatory vividly to life, from its scientific origins to its future at the centre of the Humanities. It also sets out what is at stake and why your support is needed. If you would like to be among the first to join the Radcliffe 250 or the Radcliffe 100, contact Head of Development Maren Florenz.

The college’s ultimate goal is a fundamental transformation of the building that gives its name to, and is at the heart of the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter. This will include opportunities for the public to visit the building and engage with its history and heritage.

Principal Sir Michael Dixon said,

‘I am personally delighted that the college has met this major milestone on time and on budget. The next stage of preserving the past and inspiring the future of the Radcliffe Observatory is an endeavour on which I look forward to working together with friends and supporters.’

Domestic Bursar, and project lead for the college, Teresa Strike said,

‘This project to bring life and restoration to the Radcliffe Observatory is complex and challenging, but the team involved are all dedicated and passionate about the building. My sincere thanks go to everyone who has been part of delivering the first phase of the landscaping.’

Find out more

• Radcliffe Observatory societies
• Watch the video
• More about the project

Views of new landscape