Radcliffe Camera, University library in Oxford, England
The Radcliffe Camera stands as a circular domed building constructed with English Baroque architecture, featuring three levels of classical design elements in Radcliffe Square.
James Gibbs designed this Grade I listed building between 1737 and 1749, using funds from physician John Radcliffe's legacy of 40,000 pounds.
The building serves as a reading room of the Bodleian Library, housing an extensive collection of books focusing on English literature, theology, and art history.
Students and researchers need a valid Bodleian Library card to access the reading rooms, which contain over 600,000 books across multiple underground spaces.
The structure incorporates a double-layered dome system with an external vertical shell and an internal curved ceiling, creating an advanced architectural solution for its time.
Location: Oxford
Inception: 1748
Architects: James Gibbs
Architectural style: English Baroque
Part of: Bodleian Library
Website: https://bodleian.ox.ac.uk/bodley/find-us/radcliffe_camera
GPS coordinates: 51.75340,-1.25390
Latest update: May 26, 2025 20:31
This collection features cupolas from diverse countries and periods. It includes a variety of both classical and modern designs that showcase architectural heritage. Each cupola serves as an example of the artistic and technical quality of its respective time.
Circular architecture has fascinated builders since ancient times. This collection brings together Roman amphitheatres like the Colosseum, medieval towers such as the Round Tower in Copenhagen, baroque domed structures and modern constructions. The circular form offers practical advantages for acoustic properties, structural stability and optimal space usage. The selected buildings serve various functions: religious temples, fortifications, observatories, museums and event venues. Each example demonstrates how architects have adapted the circular form to local conditions and cultural requirements. From ancient stone structures to contemporary skyscrapers, this selection documents technical evolution across centuries.
University Church of St Mary the Virgin
68 m
Shelley Memorial
135 m
Radcliffe Square
6 m
All Souls College Library
61 m
All Saints Church
152 m
All Souls College, East And West Ranges Of The North Quadrangle
81 m
Hertford College, Chapel, South Range
78 m
3 And 4, Oriel Street
138 m
4, Magpie Lane
142 m
Brasenose College, Kitchen Wing, Second Quadrangle
74 m
All Souls College, Front (or South) Quadrangle, Including The Chapel And The South East Range On The High Street
50 m
Brasenose College, Chapel, Second Quadrangle
66 m
9 And 10, Oriel Street
169 m
All Souls College, Wardens Lodging
125 m
The Rhodes Building (north Range), Oriel College
112 m
Street Surface
30 m
5, Magpie Lane
150 m
Lincoln College, East Range And Chapel, Chapel Quadrangle
132 m
Brasenose College, North Range, The Old Quadrangle
64 m
2, Magpie Lane
127 m
3, Magpie Lane
136 m
102 And 103, High Street
126 m
Wall And Gates Of The Church Of St Mary The Virgin
86 m
7 And 8, Oriel Street
161 m
Oriel College, South Range
146 m
6, Oriel Street
153 m
Brasenose College, East Range, The Old Quadrangle
45 m
Stables To South Of Number 5
168 mReviews
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