The Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford was designed by Christopher Wren as his second major work. Gilbert Sheldon, then Archbishop of Canterbury, funded nearly all of its 14,470 pound cost, and the University of Oxford owns it. Construction ran from 1664 to 1669.
The infobox lists English Baroque, and the text describes a break from Gothic design with a plan based on the Theatre of Marcellus in Rome. The D-shaped roof spans over 70 feet (21 m) on a grid system developed by John Wallis, and for many years it was the largest unsupported floor in existence. An eight-sided cupola crowns it, and 32 oil panels by Robert Streater cover the ceiling.
Handel premiered Athalia here in 1733. A four-year ceiling restoration finished in November 2008. It seats up to 700 and hosts concerts, lectures and university ceremonies. The cupola is open to visitors, and the article gives no hours.
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