Plymouth Athenaeum

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

The Athenaeum building, which opened in June 1961, is located at Derry’s Cross in the heart of Plymouth city centre.

About us

ACTIVITIES

We run a programme of activities and events for our members, including writers, readers, art, photographic, climate emergency and astronomy groups.

These members activities can be joined in person and online.

You can view our calendar of activities HERE.

Fore more details please contact us at info@plymouthathenaeum.co.uk

MEMBERSHIP

Our annual subscription fees are:

Full Membership: £60.00
Family Membership*: £100.00
Student Membership*: £30.00
Junior Membership (16-18 years of age): £10.00

If you are interested in becoming a member please complete the Membership Application Form.

FRIENDS OF THE ATHENAEUM NETWORK

We know how much love and affection exists for the iconic Athenaeum building and how many people have fond memories of performing on the stage and attending shows, events and activities since it opened in 1961. Now we are looking for people who are enthusiastic about its ongoing, sustainable operation to help support that process.

There is no cost to join the Friends, and you can find more details HERE.

If you are interested in joining, please complete the Friends application form.

LIBRARY

Our Library has around 3,500 volumes, plus archive material, including complete volumes of the Charity’s Transactions and Proceedings.

We are a member of the Independent Libraries Association and have a reciprocal relationship with The Plymouth Proprietary Library.

The collection is currently available to view by appointment.

For Library enquiries please email: info@plymouthathenaeum.co.uk

OUR PEOPLE

Find out who we are here.

HISTORY

Founded in 1812 as the Plymouth Institution, architect and founding member, John Foulston, designed the building that would become the permanent home of the Charity. The first ‘Athenaeum’ opened in 1819.

The Devon and Cornwall Natural History Society, formed in 1838, amalgamated with the Plymouth Institution in 1851. The Plymouth Mechanics’ Institute was absorbed into the Society in 1899. Foulston’s original ‘Athenaeum’ building was destroyed during The Blitz in 1941, resulting in the loss of the library, art and museum collections. The Institution was renamed ‘The Plymouth Athenaeum’ when it moved into the current building in June 1961, which is sited on the same location as its pre-Blitz home.

Scientist Charles Darwin and renowned stamp dealer Stanley Gibbons are among the many distinguished figures to have been members of the Charity. Darwin undertook preparatory work at The Athenaeum ahead of his voyage on HMS Beagle in 1831.

Notable visitors to the modern Athenaeum include The Beatles, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Malcolm McDowell, Harry Secombe, John Nettles and Angela Rippon.

ARCHIVES

You can find out much more about our history, discover the people who made the Athenaeum, catch up on contemporary and historic lectures and talks, read copies of our Journal and our Annual Reports (1830-90) in the Archives section of this website.