🌟 The OU Archive is opening its doors once again for Heritage Open Days 2025! England’s largest festival of history and culture returns - and this year’s programme is bigger and better than ever.
🤩 What’s new?
This year brings exciting new additions and expanded offerings to help even more visitors discover the rich stories in our University’s past.
🎥 Brand-new: The OU Archive Cinema
Step into the OU Archive Cinema and enjoy themed compilations of historical OU film footage. Three different reels will be shown on rotation:
1️⃣ Teaching and Learning at the OU
2️⃣ OU Historical Events
3️⃣ Milton Keynes and the Walton Hall Estate
These curated screenings bring the University’s story to life and offer a unique look at its evolution over the decades.
🚶♂️ More campus tours than ever before
Our popular guided tours are back — with more slots than ever! Explore key historical locations on campus and uncover fascinating stories behind the OU.
👉 Early booking is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment.
🖼️ New exhibitions and displays
Discover a special exhibition celebrating the life and legacy of Baroness Betty Boothroyd, former Speaker of the House of Commons and Chancellor of the OU (1995–2006). Plus, enjoy new selections from the OU Archive collections, highlighting the University's founding, teaching innovations, and the heritage of Walton Hall.
✅ Plan your visit
No booking is needed for exhibitions or film screenings - but campus tours must be booked in advance, as places are limited.
🔗 See the full daily schedules and book your tour here: www.open.ac.uk/library/library-resources/heritage-open-days
Whether you're a local history enthusiast, part of the OU community (past or present), or simply curious about one of the UK’s most iconic educational institutions - there’s something for everyone.
✨ We look forward to welcoming you!
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