Irving and Dorothy Levy Hall Opened in Madison

The $115 million humanities facility at the University of Wisconsin-Madison officially opened its doors.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Scholarships

Bold vector editorial illustration of a modern limestone and glass university building facade, representing the new humanities center. — The University of Wisconsin-Madison has officially opened Irving and Dorothy Levy Hall, a new $115 million facility centralizing eight humanities departments. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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University of Wisconsin-Madison officials and donors held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Irving and Dorothy Levy Hall. The $115 million building now serves as a hub for eight humanities departments.

Why it matters

The new facility provides a collaborative space for students and faculty near campus dorms. It centralizes humanities instruction within a modern environment designed for active learning.

The $115 million project includes $20 million in private support from the Levy family and $65 million in state funding. The building features 13 classrooms and a 400-seat auditorium with 1,100 total instructional seats.

The players

University of Wisconsin-Madison

This public research university serves as the host institution for the new humanities facility.

Irving and Dorothy Levy

These donors provided a $20 million gift to help fund the construction of the university building that now bears their name.

The details

Constructed to house eight humanities departments, the building contains 13 classrooms and a 400-seat auditorium. The facility was designed to provide instructional space and collaborative areas for students living in nearby campus dorms.

The 2021-23 biennial budget and subsequent capital budget provided state funding for the project.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the building occurred on September 17, 2026.

Culture Shift

The completion of Levy Hall reflects a broader trend of universities prioritizing centralized humanities spaces to foster collaboration. This development aligns with the 2021-23 Wisconsin biennial budget's commitment to public infrastructure investment in higher education.

Students will gain access to 1,100 new instructional seats located near campus dormitories. This centralizes humanities classes, potentially reducing transit times for students moving between residential areas and academic buildings.

The takeaway

The addition of modern instructional space enhances the academic infrastructure available to local students. By clustering humanities departments, the university aims to create a more integrated and accessible campus environment.