About the Center

Photo of the Humanities Center

Founded in 1980, the Stanford Humanities Center is a multidisciplinary research institute dedicated to advancing knowledge about culture, philosophy, history, and the arts. The Center's fellowships, research workshops, and public events strengthen the intellectual and creative life of the university, foster innovative scholarship and teaching, and enrich our understanding of the human experience.

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    Staff

    Center staff are available to answer questions about fellowships, events, workshops, and other programs.
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    Facilities

    Humanities Center meeting and lecture rooms are available to research workshops and humanities departments. Please read the facilities guidelines for more information on eligibility and fees.
  • Photo of founding director Ian Watt

    History

    The Stanford Humanities Center was founded in 1980 by President Donald Kennedy to spearhead new initiatives in humanities research at Stanford. Ian Watt was the founding director.
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    Visit the Center

    The Center is located in the Bowman House on the central Stanford campus near Tresidder Student Union and the Faculty Club. We welcome visitors and invite you to discover our programs.

Support the Center

Humanities Center workshop

Gifts to the center vitalize multidisciplinary research at Stanford and strengthen the university’s reputation in the humanities.