The University of Chicago celebrated the opening of the John W. Boyer Center in Paris on November 15, marking a significant expansion of its educational and research presence in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The new facility is set to serve as a regional hub for collaboration among faculty, students, alumni, and global partners.
President Paul Alivisatos highlighted the significance of the new center: “Today is a celebration of our hosts and our friends who have welcomed us and supported us and made it possible for this place to emerge. It’s a physical place of great beauty, a physical place of brilliant design, but it’s also an idea for how we can work together that’s extremely special.”
The opening was marked by a two-day symposium featuring UChicago leaders and representatives from various institutions in France and Europe. A ribbon-cutting ceremony included Marie-Christine Lemardeley, deputy mayor of Paris; Lamia El Aaraje; Jérôme Coumet; along with UChicago alumni.
Marie-Christine Lemardeley expressed her satisfaction at the event: “I’m delighted to see that all of our common ambitions have been realized to provide students and researchers with a campus of outstanding architectural quality in the heart of the city.”
Designed by Studio Gang, the center is located in Paris' 13th district near major academic institutions. Funded largely through donations, it nearly triples the size of UChicago's former Paris center opened in 2003. The building includes learning spaces around a central staircase, event areas, classrooms, an amphitheater, library facilities, workspaces for scholars, and houses the International Institute of Research in Paris (IIRP).
Named after John W. Boyer for his contributions during his tenure as dean at UChicago College, the center aims to enhance study abroad opportunities. Nearly half of UChicago undergraduates study abroad at least once during their academic career.
Melina Hale commented on these opportunities: “With the new Center we are thrilled for many more of our students to study in Paris. The ability to live and engage in this incredible city is a remarkable opportunity.”
Students began using the facility since October with programs spanning various disciplines utilizing local resources such as archives and museums while maintaining high academic standards.
Student Janya Allen shared her experience: “The main reason I chose UChicago was due to the abundance of study abroad options for students... I love being able to continue my studies in a familiar but new environment.”
The center underscores UChicago's commitment to international collaboration by connecting scholars worldwide with its robust network established over decades.
UChicago’s first Paris Center became influential globally when it opened over 20 years ago leading subsequently to other centers worldwide including Beijing and Delhi along with campuses in Hong Kong and London.