The Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, has announced a $20 million gift from philanthropist David M. Rubenstein in support of a new commons building.

The Rubenstein Commons will be designed to enable interaction among faculty and visiting scholars and enhance the institute's role as a hub for academic thought and activities across the sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Among other things, the building will feature conference space, meeting rooms, offices, and a lounge with a café and will be a venue for the display of images and materials illustrating the institute's history and significance as a national and international center for research. The gift from Rubenstein, a trustee of the institute and co-founder and co-CEO of the Carlyle Group, will count toward and complete the institute's comprehensive fundraising campaign.

"This incredible donation to create the Rubenstein Commons is important and inspirational in so many ways," said IAS director and Leon Levy Professor Robbert Dijkgraaf. "David's visionary philanthropy will enable the institute to beautifully enhance its unique and optimal environment for scholars to collaborate, socialize, and work. There is a crucial need for such a resource here at the institute, and we are grateful for David’s commitment to our mission and his belief in the benefits that this new building will yield for years to come."