OXFORD'S NEW HOME FOR THE HUMANITIES: TAKE A TWO-MINUTE TOUR

Oxford celebrated a major milestone in early October with the opening of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities. It was the realisation of a long-held dream, finally made possible by the largest single gift in the University’s modern history.

Located in Oxford’s Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, the centre brings academic excellence and cultural creativity together under one roof. For the first time in its history, Oxford University’s internationally recognised humanities faculties will share a space: English Language and Literature; History; Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics; Medieval and Modern Languages; Music; Philosophy; and Theology and Religion. The building also brings together the University’s new Institute for Ethics in AI, the Oxford Internet Institute and the new Bodleian Humanities Library within a vibrant setting for research, learning and public engagement.

The Faculty of Classics, the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies and the Ruskin School of Art remain in their existing buildings, with their students and staff able to access and benefit from the Schwarzman Centre’s teaching, research and public engagement facilities.

Alongside the academic faculties, the Schwarzman Centre is also home to an exceptional suite of public performance spaces, including the 500-seat Sohmen Concert Hall, a 250-seat theatre, a black box immersive performance space and a recital hall, as well as a cinema, an exhibition gallery and a museum showcasing the renowned Bate Collection of historic musical instruments. These are complemented by a café and bar, all set within beautifully landscaped gardens.

It’s a unique mix that provides a platform for collaboration, creativity and dialogue, aimed at showcasing how the humanities can help us understand and address the major challenges of our time.

Open to all, always

For alumni wishing to discover the Schwarzman Centre for themselves, there are many ways to do so: browse the new Bodleian Humanities Library, enjoy a coffee in the gardens, or meet friends for lunch under the magnificent glass dome of the Great Hall. Open to all during the week (with weekend hours to be announced soon), the building will host a rich programme of cultural events launching in April 2026, with listings and ticket information available online.

The centre’s first events season – featuring outstanding artists, performers, writers and thinkers from around the world, inspired by Oxford’s humanities research – will open with a free weekend of celebrations on 25–26 April 2026. Alumni, along with family and friends, are warmly invited to join the festivities and experience the centre as it comes to life with art, performance and conversation.

Have a hand in opening the arts to everyone

‘The Schwarzman Centre represents an extraordinary vote of confidence in the humanities disciplines at a time when the world needs them more than ever’ – Professor Dan Grimley, Head of the Humanities Division

The Schwarzman Centre has been made possible thanks to the generosity of philanthropist and businessman Stephen A. Schwarzman, whose combined gifts of £185 million have brought this ambitious project to life.

Now that the doors are open, there are many ways for alumni who are passionate about the arts to join in supporting this special place. By becoming a member or patron, you can help the centre do more with artists, students and the community, while enjoying access to benefits such as priority booking, special events and behind-the-scenes insights and experiences.

With its world-class facilities and bold vision, the Schwarzman Centre marks a new chapter in Oxford’s commitment to the humanities – the impact of which will be felt for generations to come. Visit the Schwarzman Centre website or read this blog post by Professor Dan Grimley, Head of the Humanities Division, to find out more.