Central-E · Founded 1962
St Catherine's College
Oxford's great modernist college — a cohesive Jacobsen-designed environment of clean lines, water and planting that stands in deliberate contrast to the city's medieval quads.
Official site ↗Founded 1962. Established as a college in 1962 (opening on its new site in 1964) under founding Master Alan Bullock, growing out of the earlier St Catherine's Society for non-collegiate students.
A Grade I-listed masterpiece of modernism designed as a total work of art by the Danish architect Arne Jacobsen, who created the buildings, interiors, furniture and landscaping on an island site by the River Cherwell.
Don’t miss
- Arne Jacobsen's Grade I-listed modernist buildings
- Jacobsen-designed interiors and furniture
- Water gardens and riverside setting on the Cherwell
- Bronze sculpture by Barbara Hepworth
- Long formal quadrangle
Notable names
Designed by Arne Jacobsen — his only building complex in Britain · Peter Mandelson · Jeanette Winterson
Visiting
A working college in central-east Oxford; visitor access is limited and subject to college policy, so verify before visiting.
Opening hours, admission and current access change often — check the official site before you go.