His Majesty The King officially opens the Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities
His Majesty The King today officially opened the Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities at the University of Oxford and unveiled a plaque to commemorate his visit.
The Centre opened in October 2025 as a world-class hub for the Humanities in Oxford, bringing academic excellence and cultural activity together under one roof. Home to seven humanities faculties and research institutes, it combines state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities with world-class performance spaces. It is the single largest building project ever undertaken by the University, developed with the support of philanthropist and businessman Stephen A. Schwarzman.
His Majesty was greeted by Oxford’s Chancellor, Lord Hague, Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Irene Tracey, and Stephen and Christine Schwarzman.
During the visit The King spoke with those involved in the construction of the building, as well as members of the University and representatives from the Centre’s Cultural Programme and the Leys Festival, including Body Politic, a local dance and hip-hop group who will perform at the festival tomorrow (Saturday, 11 July). The annual event celebrates the creativity and energy of the Blackbird Leys and Greater Leys communities.
A choir of local children from across schools in Oxfordshire performed during the visit.
His Majesty toured the 500-seat Sohmen Concert Hall – the only Passivhaus concert hall in the world – and was shown a selection of historic musical instruments from the University’s renowned Bate Collection by representatives from the Faculty of Music and a rare Bach manuscript from the Bodleian Library. The Centre also includes seven libraries, a 250-seat theatre, a black box immersive performance space, dance studio, cinema, and exhibition space.
Rt Hon The Lord Hague of Richmond, Chancellor of the University of Oxford, said, 'It was a privilege to welcome His Majesty The King to mark the opening of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, a moment that celebrates both an extraordinary new addition to Oxford and the enduring importance of the humanities. At a time when the world is changing with extraordinary speed, the study of history, languages, philosophy, literature, music and the arts helps us understand who we are, how we have arrived here, and how we might shape the future. This remarkable centre is a powerful statement of confidence in the ability of the humanities to illuminate public life, enrich our culture and equip future generations with the judgement and imagination every society needs.'
Professor Irene Tracey CBE, FRS, FMedSci, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, said, ‘It was a tremendous honour to welcome His Majesty The King to officially open the Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, and to celebrate alongside the many people whose vision, skill and dedication have made it possible - from those who designed and built this extraordinary building, to the staff, students, artists and community partners who are bringing it to life through their teaching, research and the Cultural Programme.
‘This marks an important moment for the University, creating a place where scholarship, creativity and public engagement come together, and we can deepen the connection of the University to the city of Oxford and its local communities. I am immensely proud that Oxford is supporting the Humanities through this magnificent building – a testament to our commitment, and recognition of their vital importance.’
Philanthropist and businessman Stephen A. Schwarzman, said, ‘We are deeply grateful for His Majesty’s presence here today. Throughout decades of public service, His Majesty King Charles III has been a thoughtful and prescient voice on many of the defining questions of our time, all the while championing dialogue across disciplines, cultures, and generations. It is my hope that the Schwarzman Centre will contribute to this dialogue by advancing scholarship that addresses humanity’s most pressing challenges and fostering global collaboration here in the heart of Oxford.’
The King also visited Oriel College in its 700th anniversary year and University College, Oxford. His Majesty is Visitor of Oriel College and University College as Sovereign. The King met Oxford students, local school pupils, college staff, and academics, including in fields related to sustainability, energy policy and the environment. He also met representatives of the Oxford Hub, a charity that connects people to tackle inequalities of health, education and opportunity.
Lord Mendoza, Provost, Oriel College, said, ‘The King’s visit to Oriel is a deeply meaningful occasion for our close-knit college community, as we celebrate the rare distinction of being dedicated to academic endeavour for 700 years.
‘Much like His Majesty, we care about creating opportunity for young people, protecting the natural environment and conserving our built heritage. This care is reflected in the teaching and research undertaken by our academic colleagues.
‘We are grateful to His Majesty for serving as our Visitor and continuing the relationship with Oriel that was deepened by Queen Elizabeth II. Her late Majesty visited Oriel on six occasions, and her visits are remembered with special fondness by our college today.’
The Master of University College, Baroness Amos, said, ‘We are delighted to welcome His Majesty to University College and to share with him the work our students and staff do to promote opportunity locally and nationally. We are particularly pleased that His Majesty is visiting in the year in which the College has opened its largest new suite of buildings and gardens in the modern era. We are an ancient institution, but our eyes are fixed on the future.’