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I am wondering if it is known whether the unitary group $U(n)$ is a Kahler manifold, and, if so, what is a reference for this.

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    $\begingroup$ $U(n)$ is not a complex manifold (it is defined by smooth non-holomorphic functions). More rigourously, if it were a complex manifold, then all its coordinate projections $M=(m_{ij})\mapsto m_{ij}$ would be constant by the maximum principle since $U(n)$ is compact. $\endgroup$
    – Henri
    Commented Feb 16, 2021 at 19:05
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    $\begingroup$ For $n$ odd $U(n)$ is odd-dimensional as real manifold. By the way "is a Kähler manifold" is a quite vague question: for some given metric? diffeomorphic to a Kähler manifold? some left-invariance condition? $\endgroup$
    – YCor
    Commented Feb 16, 2021 at 19:24
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    $\begingroup$ @Henri: $U(2)$ admits a complex structure (it is diffeomorphic to $S^1\times S^3$). $\endgroup$ Commented Feb 16, 2021 at 19:37
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    $\begingroup$ One could interpret the question as asking whether there is a Kähler manifold diffeomorphic to $U(n)$ for any $n$. The answer is no as $\pi_1(U(n)) \cong \mathbb{Z}$ but as is discussed here, $\mathbb{Z}$ is not a Kähler group. $\endgroup$ Commented Feb 16, 2021 at 22:00
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    $\begingroup$ $U(n)$ does not admit a symplectic structure because $H^2(U(n)) = 0$. $\endgroup$
    – user171227
    Commented Feb 16, 2021 at 23:53

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