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| Magdalen College | St Mary the Virgin | Merton College |
| Museum of the History of Science | Museum of Modern Art | Museum of Oxford |



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Magdalen College

Magdalen College, (it should be pronounced "Maudlin") is another of Oxford's most famous University Colleges.

It was founded in 1458 by the then Bishop of Winchester, William Waynflete.

At this time Magdalen College was located outside of Oxford's city walls and so, unlike some of the other more central colleges, it had lots of room to expand.

As a result Magdalen College now has some of the most beautiful grounds of any of Oxford's colleges, including a deer park and three spacious quadrangles.

A particularly famous part of the college is the beautiful Magdalen Bridge, which spans the River Cherwell and which is one of the most photographed landmarks in the city.

Famous past students from Magdalen College include Oscar Wilde, and more recently Dudley Moore.

The best time of year to visit Magdalen College is May, which is when the college holds its famous May Day celebrations - a dawn chorus sung by the college's choir followed by all manner of riotous festivities.

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St Mary the Virgin

The pretty Church of St Mary the Virgin, located just off the High Street, is Oxford's main church.

It is also a central feature of Oxford University, for it was here that the first University meetings were held way back in the 12th century. And this is also where the University's first libray was established.

The Church itself dates from the 13th century, and is most famous for its elegant spire, some parts of which are still original.

Today you can climb to the top of the church tower to get some excellent views across the city, but the climb is steep and so only for the energetic!

The Church of St Mary the Virgin is open daily from 9am to 6pm. Entry to the church is free but there is an admission charge of around £1.50 if you want to climb the tower.



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Merton College

Founded in 1264 by Walter de Merton, Merton College is one of the oldest colleges in Oxford.

Although perhaps not so classically beautiful as many of Oxford's other colleges, Merton College is still architecturally interesting for its medieval buildings, some of which are the oldest in the whole University.

Mob Quad is the oldest quad in the city, and is believed to be the inspiration for the design of many of Oxford's subsequent colleges. And the Library is the most complete example of a medieval library in the whole of England.

Also in Merton College there is a beautiful Chapel, some parts of which date from the 13th century, and the Max Beerbohm Room, which is dedicated to the famous caricaturist who was a past student at the college.

Other famous past students of Merton College include the author J.R.R. Tolkien and the poet T.S Eliot.

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Museum of the History of Science

Oxford's Museum of the History of Science is located on Radcliffe Square, opposite the better-known Ashmolean Musuem.

As you would expect from the name, the Museum of the History of Science traces the development of the sciences from ancient civilisations right up until the present day. Exhibits range from astrological instruments and sundials to early calculators and microscopes.

The Museum of the History of Science is open from 12 noon to 4pm Tuesdays to Saturdays. Admission is free.



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Museum of Modern Art

Oxford's excellent Museum of Modern Art, otherwise known as MOMA, is located in the centre of town, on Pembroke Street.

The museum holds a regularly changing programme of temporary exhibitions from all around the world and featuring many different types of media, many of which receive international acclaim.

The Museum of Modern Art is open daily except Mondays, but opening hours vary according to day so do check in advance. Admission costs around £2.50 for adults.



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Museum of Oxford

The Museum of Oxford is an excellent local history museum, telling the story of Oxford's past from prehistory right up until the present day.

With interesting exhibitions covering Oxford's religious, academic and industrial pasts, this is the place to go for anyone interested in finding out more about Oxford's heritage.

The entrance to the museum is found on Blue Boar Lane, round the corner from Oxford's Town Hall.

The Museum of Oxford is open daily from 10am to 5pm Tuesdays to Saturdays. Admission is free, but tours cost around £1.50 for adults.



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