The first reaction to Oxford University’s announcement regarding the creation of the Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities in support of the project by Stephen Schwarzman was an emphasis on its cost – the £185 million donation from the American businessman made it the largest individual donation in the institution's recent history. However, the long-term impact of the project is not confined to the amount of money that has been invested in it.
The goal behind the project was not only to finance one or another area of academic study but rather to integrate teaching, research, performance, and the cultural sphere into a single complex. According to Oxford, the Schwarzman Centre united humanities faculties, research institutes, a great humanities library, and facilities for theatrical performances, musical events, films, exhibitions, and conferences.
