2 October 2025, Oxford. The Oxford Internet Institute (OII) has moved to its new home in the Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, bringing together staff, students, and researchers, who were previously based across three buildings on St Giles.
Established through the philanthropy of Mr Schwarzman, the landmark building in the heart of Oxford’s Radcliffe Observatory Quarter provides a state-of-the-art base for multiple University of Oxford faculties.
For the OII, the move brings opportunities to strengthen collaboration, encourage the exchange of ideas, and build connections both within the Institute, across the wider University and beyond.
The OII’s relocation has been made possible thanks to a generous gift from the Dieter Schwarz Foundation, positioning the Institute as a key node in a global network dedicated to researching and teaching artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies.
Designed by Hopkins Architects, the Schwarzman Centre offers modern seminar rooms, lecture theatres, and welcoming social spaces, created to support teaching, research, and engagement. Sustainability has been central to the project: the building is Passivhaus-certified for exceptional energy efficiency, and features solar panels, landscaped green spaces, and ample cycle parking.
The Centre is also a major new cultural landmark for Oxford, housing a 500-seat concert hall, a 250-seat theatre, and a 100-seat experimental black box performance space. These venues will host events for the University and the public, creating opportunities for engagement with local communities and visitors from around the world.
Dr Victoria Nash, Director of the Oxford Internet Institute, said: “It’s wonderful to be in our new home. Having all our people in one purpose-built, collaborative space will transform how we work. We’re excited to explore all the possibilities the Schwarzman Centre offers.”
She added: “I would like to thank the Dieter Schwarz Foundation for enabling this move, and everyone who has worked so hard to make it happen, from colleagues in the Humanities Division, Estates, and IT, to the architects, builders, and movers. Most of all, thanks to our staff, students, and alumni for their patience and enthusiasm throughout the transition.”
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Photo credit: Hufton and Crow.
