The Plymouth Athenaeum

The Plymouth Athenaeum is a charitable society dedicated to the study and promotion of learning in science, technology, literature and art.

The annual programme of activities and events includes writers’ groups, readers’ groups, art groups, photographic groups and lectures and talks.

The Athenaeum building, located at Derry’s Cross in Plymouth city centre, includes a 340-seat theatre, lecture hall, lounge, meeting rooms and a library. Rooms are available for hire.

Founded in 1812 as the Plymouth Institution, the organisation merged with the Devon and Cornwall Natural History Society in 1851 and the Plymouth Mechanics’ Institute in 1899. 

The Society was renamed the Plymouth Athenaeum in 1961.