Blavatnik School of Government
120 Walton Street, Oxford, OX2 6GG, GB
Rating: 4.2 ★ (23 ratings)
Details
A striking series of stacked, circular glass layers defines the Blavatnik School of Government at 120 Walton Street, a modern contrast to Oxford's historic skyline. Designed by the renowned Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, the building's architecture is a physical representation of the School's values: openness, collaboration, and transparency in the pursuit of better global governance. Its design, which features a central, spiralling forum connecting all floors, aims to foster interaction and echoes the circularity of nearby landmarks like the Radcliffe Camera. This "modern cathedral of learning" isn't just visually impressive; it incorporates sustainable features like rainwater harvesting, a green roof, and automated natural ventilation, achieving a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating for its environmental efficiency. The building's thoughtful design even includes slender glass panels that echo the proportions of Oxford's historic Bodleian Library, linking this contemporary structure to the university's rich academic heritage.
While daily public access to the Blavatnik School of Government is generally limited, the institution frequently opens its doors for a wide array of public events, including talks, film screenings, and conferences. These provide an excellent opportunity to experience the impressive Inamori Forum and potentially enjoy views from the roof terrace, which are occasionally accessible during open days or special events. The School’s mission is to educate current and future leaders in public policy, drawing a diverse international community to its state-of-the-art facilities. Located opposite the classical Oxford University Press building in the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, it serves as a gateway to this newer part of the University. Visitors are encouraged to check the School's official website for listings of upcoming public lectures and events to engage with its work and unique architectural space.
Location
Contact
+44 1865 614343
Comments
The building itself is a marvel: light-filled, energy-efficient, and beautifully constructed to encourage interaction, with open-plan spaces and a central spiral staircase. It's not only visually impressive but also functionally innovative, incorporating sustainability throughout its design.
Academically, the school delivers a world-class education, particularly through its highly regarded Master of Public Policy (MPP) programme. The curriculum strikes a strong balance between theoretical foundations and practical skills, and the student body is as globally diverse as the issues the school seeks to address.
Blavatnik has also become a hub for high-profile academic and professional figures — most notably with Amal Clooney joining as a visiting professor and former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak taking on a research role. These appointments reflect the school’s growing influence on the global stage.
Beyond the classroom, the Blavatnik community is vibrant and engaged, with students participating in policy debates, speaker events, and collaborative workshops. Its location in Oxford allows students to tap into the university’s rich intellectual and cultural offerings.
In short, the Blavatnik School of Government is a striking blend of architectural innovation and academic excellence — a place truly designed to shape the public leaders of tomorrow.
It would have been more enjoyable except for the very distracting background interruptions in the open arena space .. people on upper floors talking loudly, trolleys being wheeled around, ...
And for someone with less than perfect hearing, the acoustics were very hard going.