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A venue for all occasions

Legacy, Equity & Inclusion

Throughout our history, the Rhodes Scholarship has had a distinctive focus on selecting and investing in people we believe will become change agents for good. Our mission and complicated legacy drive our strong commitment to this work.

Our reputation as the world's most distinguished academic scholarship rests not on the controversial life of our founder but on the enormous contributions our Scholars have made to the world. We find students from all over the globe in all fields of study, looking beyond academic excellence by seeking those who have the energy, courage, and commitment to deliver positive change.

We take ownership of our responsibility to engage more fully, critically and honestly with our history, to equip ourselves with the knowledge and skills to engage in anti-racist action, and to take concrete steps to make our communities and the environment of Rhodes House more inclusive and diverse.

To find out more about the Rhodes Trust's ongoing work on legacy, equity & inclusion, visit the Rhodes Trust LEI page.

View of the Rhodes House courtyard and Conference Hall at night with windows lit, Hall set up for a conference.

Historic architecture

Rhodes House was designed by Sir Herbert Baker and built between 1926 and 1928. A grade II* listed building, Rhodes House reflects a number of influences: Cape Dutch farmhouse, English country mansion, and the Arts and Crafts movements of the 1900s. This unique blend of architectural styles made Rhodes House a unique addition to the architectural landscape of Oxford. 

In 2023, a three-year building project was completed, refreshing the original rooms within Rhodes House and adding modern conference facilities which balance beautifully with the historic style of the original spaces. This development was designed by the multi award-winning practice Stanton Williams Architects. Find out more in the video about the transformation of Rhodes House

McCall MacBain Hall Floating Garden Sculpture photo from below

A place to think

Since its opening, Rhodes House has been a home for Rhodes Scholars from around the world, many of whom have gone on to distinguished careers as leaders, scientists, researchers, writers, artists, doctors and sportspeople.

Opening up the House allows us to share that unique atmosphere with people from our Oxford community and beyond.

Nelson Mandela And Scholars

Distinguished guests

Rhodes House has played host to hundreds of guests and speakers, including Queen Elizabeth II, Nelson Mandela, Albert Einstein, the Dalai Lama, and many others from the Rhodes Scholar community and beyond.