Accessibility Information
The Institution is committed to improving its accessibility, and we welcome all visitors to our public events. Our NHLF project ‘The Next Chapter’, which is now in development stage, will enable us to improve accessibility at the DEI. We are transparent about the access limitations that the size, location, and historic nature of the building can occasion, and readily acknowledge that we are in a period of transition.
Welcome to the Devon & Exeter Institution! You can find us at 7 Cathedral Close, Exeter, Ex1 1EZ
Opening Times
Tuesdays – 10am to 5pm
Wednesdays – 10am to 5pm
Thursdays – 10am to 5pm
Fridays – 10am to 5pm
Saturdays – 10am-4pm
Wheelchair access
The main entrance to the DEI, (facing the Cathedral), has double doors, and is accessible for most wheelchairs and mobility scooters. From this entrance there is level access to the most of the ground floor rooms. The first floor is currently, not in use due to the development works taking place, however we are in the process of installing a lift making this area fully accessible when it reopens.
Parking
Unfortunately, during the site works, we are unable to offer parking on site for anyone. Ordinarily we are able to offer parking for those with accessibility requirements and should be able to do so again in 2025.
Toilets
We currently have one temporary toilet on site, which is not suitable for wheelchair users. We installing a fully accessible toilet for the first time, this part of the project should be complete in summer/autumn 2024. In the meantime, the nearest fully accessible Changing Places toilet can be found in the Princesshay Shopping Centre, at the back of Nationwide.
Defibrillators
The nearest defibrillators are in Bampfylde Lane in the Princesshay Shopping Centre, near Chandos Deli, or outside the entrance of Exeter Central Library.
Sensory information
The library is usually a quiet space, though can be louder during events. A timetable for events can be found on the website. If you require a quieter space, please ask a member of staff.
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.