Discover this delightful heritage haven, and living library in the heart of the city!
The Institution occupies historic premises at the heart of Exeter in Cathedral Close. Adapted from what was once the townhouse of the Courtenay family, the library is housed in two elegant Georgian rooms which provide space for research and reading, educational activities, cultural events, and lectures.
During Heritage Open Week, we open our doors to the public for free guided tours. There’s no need to book, tours normally last around 20 mins, but can be individually tailored to you and your interests. Our tour guides are a dedicated team of trained volunteers, drawn from our membership. They are passionate about sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm for the building, it's history, our collections, and the Institution itself.
Cost: Free
Accessibility Statement: The main entrance to the DEI, (facing the Cathedral), has double doors, and is accessible for most wheelchairs. From this entrance there is level access to the foyer, and to the inner and outer libraries. We apologise for the current lack of lift access to the South Range rooms on the second floor.
As we are a small building, parking is limited, but a space can be pre-booked by contacting the office by phone: 01392 274727, or by email: office@devonandexeterinstitution.org. Priority will be given to blue badge holders. The side door into the inner library should be accessible for most wheelchair users reaching the DEI from the driveway, or the front entrance can be reached through the side door at the end of the driveway. Please do contact us if you have any further questions about your route into the DEI.
There are toilets on site, though the nearest fully accessible Changing Places toilet can be found in the Princesshay Shopping Centre, at the back of Nationwide.
If sounded, the fire alarm makes a repeated sound of two tones, and flashing lights will go off in the reading room and the toilets. On an ordinary day, ringing phones and door buzzers might also be heard.
Lighting is soft throughout the building, and may be low in certain areas. Assistance dogs are welcome, and staff will be happy to provide water for your dog.