Frequently Asked Questions

 General Information

• What is the Beethoven Center?

  • The Center is the only institution in North America devoted solely to the life, works, and accomplishments of Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827). Established in 1983 when Ira F. Brilliant donated his Beethoven collection to San José State University, the Center opened to the public in September 1985.

    Building on Ira Brilliant's original donation, the Center now has the largest collection of Beethoven materials outside of Europe. In addition to functioning as a research library and museum, the Center is involved in a variety of educational programs and sponsors concerts, lectures, tours, and other events.

• Who was Ira F. Brilliant?
  •  

    Ira F. Brilliant (1922-2006) was a lifelong lover of Beethoven's music who became a serious collector of Beethoven manuscripts and first editions in the 1970s. He wanted the materials to be available to students and scholars and collaborated with the College of Humanities and the Arts at San José State University to build the first center devoted to Beethoven in the Western hemisphere.

Planning Your Visit

• Where is the Beethoven Center located?

  • The Beethoven Center is located in Room 580 in the special collections area on the fifth floor of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library.

    The King Library is on the campus of San José State University at 150 E San Fernando, on the corner of 4th & San Fernando. Public parking is available across the street in the 4th Street Garage.

• When is the Beethoven Center open to the public?

  • As of April 29, 2024, the Beethoven Center is open by appointment only for music research purposes.