Step back in time: OU Archive Heritage Open Days 2025

The Open University Archive is once again opening its doors as part of the annual Heritage Open Days, England’s largest festival of history and culture. Taking place from 17 to 19 September 2025, the event offers a unique chance to explore the rich history of The Open University, the Walton Hall estate, and the role both have played in shaping education and society.

Bigger and better for 2025

This year’s programme brings exciting new additions and expanded offerings to help even more visitors discover the stories held in our University’s past. Whether you're a returning visitor or discovering the Archive for the first time, there’s plenty to explore:

🎥 Introducing the OU Archive Cinema

Brand new for 2025 is the OU Archive Cinema experience, where visitors can drop in to view themed compilations of historical OU film footage. Screenings will take place in the Library Atrium lecture space, and no booking is required. Three different themed reels will be shown on rotation:

• Teaching and Learning at the OU
• OU Historical Events
• Milton Keynes and the Walton Hall Estate

These curated screenings bring the past to life and provide an inspiring look at the University's evolution over the decades.

🔍 More campus tours than ever before

Back by popular demand, this year will feature five free, bookable campus tours spread across the three-day event. These guided tours explore key historical locations on the OU campus and reveal fascinating insights into its development. Each tour lasts between 1 hour and 90 minutes, and places are limited, so early booking is strongly encouraged to avoid disappointment.

🎶 Special performance by Open Voices

We're thrilled to welcome the OU’s very own singing group, Open Voices, to this year’s programme. Join us in the Library Atrium at 12 noon on Thursday 18 September for a live performance celebrating community, creativity, and the spirit of the University. No booking is required - just come along and enjoy the music!

🖼️ New displays and exhibitions

As always, the Betty Boothroyd Library building will host a variety of free exhibitions and displays throughout the event. New for 2025 is a special exhibition celebrating the life and legacy of Baroness Betty Boothroyd - Speaker of the House of Commons and Chancellor of The Open University from 1995 to 2006. In addition, visitors can explore new selections from the OU Archive collections, offering fresh perspectives on the University's founding, teaching innovations, and the heritage of the Walton Hall estate.

Plan your visit
You don’t need to book for exhibitions, film screenings, or the choir performance – but campus tours must be booked in advance, as places are limited. Visit our event page to see the full daily schedules and to reserve your place on a tour.

Whether you're a local history enthusiast, a current or former member of the OU community, or simply curious about the legacy of one of the UK's most iconic educational institutions, there’s something for everyone at this year’s Heritage Open Days. We look forward to welcoming you!