We are a thriving Independent Historic Library and Educational Charity, welcoming new members of all ages.
We are open as usual: Tuesdays to Fridays 10am-5pm and Saturdays 10am-4pm.
Contact us:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

Venue hire

Due to our exciting 'Next Chapter' development project, we are not able to take bookings until late spring 2024 and will be updating this page and our room offers in the coming months.

The Devon and Exeter Institution is a unique venue; whether you are looking for an inspiring meeting space or a special back drop to provide wow factor to your evening event, our wonderful, grade II* listed building will not disappoint.  Right in the heart of the city, we are ideally situated for the Central station and plenty of car parks nearby.

The delightful galleried Georgian libraries are available to hire for evening events and our characterful meeting rooms to the front of the building have views overlooking the Cathedral.

We provide the modern facilities you would expect, but within a beautiful and historic setting that will really set your events apart from the crowd.

The Institution has been in the heart of Exeter for more than 200 years, it’s historic library and collections form the heart of the Institution.  To make the most of your time with us we have developed some unique optional extras which enable you to maximise the impact of hosting your event in such a special location.

A guided tour break for meetings – a member of our staff or volunteer team will show you around our wonderful building, giving you a little history of the building and the Institution along the way.

Collection displays – we offer delightful curated displays from our diverse collections to complement any event.

Evening hire events

Evening hire of our galleried Georgian libraries is available between 5.00 – 10.00pm and suitable as a wonderful back drop for networking business events, lectures and presentations.  Located right in the heart of the city, our impressive building and evocative atmosphere, make events held here unique and memorable.

Events can be self catered with kitchen, crockery and cutlery, and glass hire all available or can be catered, please see the refreshments section below.

Refreshments

You are welcome to arrange catering services for breakfast, lunch, canapes etc to be delivered here.  Or you can hire our kitchen, crockery and cutlery or glassware as required.  Please include details on your booking form, as these arrangments need to be made in advance.

Access Requirements

Due to the age and nature of our building the Institution is not fully accessible throughout.  Please see our Accessibilty Information page and contact us with any querires regarding access.

The Devon and Exeter Institution are committed to improving access within the building.  We will begin development works, part of our Next Chapter project, later this year which will enable us to improve access throughout the Institution.

Making a booking

Please note we are note taking bookings before May 2024 and will be updating our rooms and prices in the coming months.  For longer term enquiries, please email [email protected] to discuss your needs.

All of our costs are outlined below and then all you have to do is complete the booking form below and we will get in touch as soon as we can to discuss your details and confirm availability.  For evening event bookings we ask for a £50 deposit to be paid at the time of booking and ask that all invoices be settled in advance of the booking date, or can be paid on the day if paying by card.  If you have any queries, please contact Ceri McWilliams on 01392 274727 or contact us via email.

*In order to protect the unique and vulnerable nature of our building and collection we reserve the right to refuse bookings that do not meet with our charitable objects or that we do not deem suitable.

Costs

Room Details Cost
Reading Room Elegant Georgian room, overlooking the Cathedral.

Space for 12 boardroom, 20 café style.

£95 half day

£125 full day

Stirling Room Elegant Georgian room, overlooking the Cathedral.

Space for 8 boardroom.

£75 half day

£100 full day

Outer Library Galleried Georgian Library, space for 45 lecture style or 55 standing.  Evening only. £175
Outer and Inner Library When refreshments are being served.  Evening only. £190

Extras

Projector and screen £20 Wine glass hire £30
Flip chart and pens £10 Crockery/cutlery hire £30
Coffee/tea per person per serving £3 Kitchen hire £50
Collection displays -4 book std £20 Guided tours per person £4

 

Testimonials

“I would like it recorded that the launch party the DEI staff organised and held for the Exeter Literary Festival 2019 was magnificent.  The invitations, planning, welcome, ambience, timing and food all contributed to a very successful evening and gave a good start for the second ExeLitFest.  A huge thanks to all those involved.”

Maggie Bonfield, Director Exeter Literary Festival on behalf of the Steering Group

“Inspiring location, friendly welcome and excellent service, coupled with the fascinating historical tour of the building, made our away day a huge success and enjoyable experience.”

Thomas McWilliams, Refinitiv

“We all had a wonderful evening at the DEI. Thank you for your excellent hospitality on Wednesday. The feedback from clients has been extremely positive, particularly on the venue.”

Denis Oppong, Chartered FCSI, Redmayne Bentley LLP