Harry Ransom Center

About

The Ransom Center, a humanities research library and museum at The University of Texas at Austin, provides a record of the creative process of writers and artists, deepening our understanding of literature, photography, film, art, and the performing arts.

Story

The Harry Ransom Center is an internationally renowned humanities research library and museum at The University of Texas at Austin. Its extensive holdings provide a unique record of the creative process of writers and artists, deepening our understanding of literature, photography, film, art, and the performing arts. Thousands of scholars, students, and cultural enthusiasts from around the world study materials from the collections each year. These collections also inspire original exhibitions and programs that offer visitors opportunity for enrichment, discovery, and delight. The Ransom Center advances the study of the arts and humanities and fosters an environment where culture thrives.

Mission

The central mission of the Ransom Center is to advance the study of the arts and humanities. To this end, the Center:

-Acquires original cultural material for the purposes of scholarship, education, and delight

-Preserves and makes accessible these creations of our cultural heritage through the highest standards of cataloging, conservation, and collection management

-Supports research through public services, symposia, publications, and fellowships

-Provides education and enrichment for scholars, students, and the public at large through exhibitions, public performances, and lectures