The CEEH is a private institution, independent of the public authorities, which promotes cultural initiatives aimed at fostering international Hispanism and academic excellence.

Acting on its own initiative or in collaboration with other organisations, it publishes studies of a high scientific standard related to its field of interest, in addition to producing informative art-historical documentaries and organising conferences and exhibitions presenting the work of research staff of universities and museums in and outside Spain.

Its chief aim is to encourage the study of Spain’s presence and influence in Europe in the Habsburg period and to promote research on Spanish Golden Age art and culture in its European context. In a broader scope, the CEEH is interested in the international reception of things Hispanic throughout various periods, as well as in the history of collecting Spanish art. Its priorities also include promoting knowledge of the work of great foreign Hispanists, to whom it pays tribute through commemorative events or research grants.

Since its creation in 2005, the CEEH has published or sponsored more than a hundred titles in several languages. The quality and rigour of its publications have earned it various prizes from the Spanish Ministry of Culture and foreign academic societies, as well as hundreds of reviews in the general press and specialist journals.