Record number of visitors for Oxford Open Doors

Approximately 1,500 visitors streamed through the doors of Harris Manchester College on Saturday 13 September for Oxford Open Doors, the annual event run by the Oxford Preservation Trust that gives members of the public access to some of the city’s most iconic venues.  

The figure was a significant increase on visitor numbers for previous years: in 2023, 800 people visited HMC, while 1,000 made the trip last year.  

Visitors to the Open Doors event in the College's Tate Quad

The most popular attractions at the College included the Chapel, whose stained glass windows were designed by William Morris and Edward Burne-Jones; the Tate Library, with its distinctive statue of former Principal James Martineau; and the Arlosh Dining Hall, which played an important role in the D-Day landings during the Second World War as a base for a key naval intelligence unit. 

Kate Wilson, PA to the Principal and one of the day’s organisers, commented on the successful event: “It was a great day, and wonderful to see so many people coming to see what is such a unique college. We’re grateful to Oxford Preservation Trust for their organisation and support”.