Christ Church Picture Gallery
With a National Art Pass you get
Located in the grounds of Oxford University, Christ Church Picture Gallery possesses an outstanding collection of Old Master paintings and drawings.
Established in the 18th century thanks to a generous bequest, the gallery is a haven for art lovers, boasting an impressive collection of Old Master paintings and drawings. With its focus on Italian masters and its exceptional collection of drawings, the gallery provides a captivating window into the artistic heritage of Europe.
Italian Masters
The core of the collection comprises Italian art from the 14th to 18th centuries and includes renowned paintings by Filippino Lippi, Tintoretto, Veronese, Salvator Rosa. A highlight of collection is the historically significant The Butcher's Shop by Annibale Carracci, it being the first example of an artist treating a modest genre-subject on a monumental scale.
Drawings
The gallery houses an internationally acclaimed collection of works on paper containing around 2000 Old Master drawings and 3000 prints. Most of them are by Italian masters of the Renaissance and the Baroque, including Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, Tintoretto and Carracci. There are also exceptional examples by Northern artists such as Dürer, Rubens and Van Dyck. Due to conservation reasons, the drawings are rotated.
Enhance your visit
The gallery regularly hosts exhibitions and events, providing a chance to explore specific themes or discover lesser-known artists. Guided tours led by knowledgeable staff are also available once a week, offering a deeper understanding of the artworks and their significance.
Photography is not allowed in the gallery, but visitors are permitted to sketch on paper, not to exceed 12 x 18 inches, with charcoal or lead pencils only.
Visitor information
Address
Christ Church, Entrance To The Gallery Via Canterbury Gate, Off Oriel Square, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 1DP
01865 276172
Opening times
Monday: 11.00 - 17.00
Tuesday: CLOSED
Wednesday: 11.00 - 17.00
Thursday: 11.00 - 17.00
Friday: 11.00 - 1700
Saturday: 11.00 - 17.00
Sunday: 14.00 - 17.00
Exclusions and safety measures
Closed over the Christmas and New Year Period
Visitor information
The more you see, the more we do.
The National Art Pass lets you enjoy free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, while raising money to support them.