About us

The Devon and Exeter Institution is a thriving independent historic library and educational charity in the heart of the city.  Our purpose is to Preserve and Educate and we welcome new members and visitors of all ages.  Our founders established the Institution in 1813, in order to promote ‘the general diffusion of Science, Literature and the Arts’ and this resolution remains at the centre of our cause to this day.

Find out how to get in touch here: Contact us

The Past

The Institution occupies a Medieval building, originally owned by the Cathedral.  It was inherited by the Courtenay family in the 17^th Century and used as their town house for over 150 years.   In 1814, ‘200 Gentlemen of the City’ took ownership of 7 Cathedral Close and adapted the double-courtyard layout to create two elegant Georgian rooms.  These rooms functioned as both library and a museum; museum objects were later donated to form the foundation collection of the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in 1868.

The Present

Today our two galleried libraries hold a unique historical book collection, virtually unchanged since 1813, and collections of maps, prints, drawings, fine and decorative art. The DEI is also the premier institution collecting books on Devon, particularly in the fields of history and biography. The Library and collections lie at the heart of the Institution and provide inspiration and a place for research and reading, educational activities, cultural events and lectures.

The DEI has been an Educational Charity since 1989 and enjoys a close working relationship with the University of Exeter and other heritage sites across the city.  We offer meeting rooms for business hire; our beautiful libraries are also available to hire for cultural activities and business events. We are open for public tours every Wednesday afternoon from 1pm – 4pm.

The Future 

Our Mission for 2026-2030 is to

• Steward and activate our collections as living resources for research, learning, and co-curated interpretation – supporting access, inspiration, and discovery for all.

• Deliver a balanced, diverse, and inclusive programme that celebrates curiosity, fosters debate, and reflects our civic responsibility – across exhibitions, events, residencies, and outreach.

• Sustain and adapt our unique heritage building and gardens to ensure they are welcoming, accessible, and fit for the future – enabling deeper engagement with people and place.

• Empower our staff, volunteers, trustees, members and partners through investment in skills, collaboration, and wellbeing – fostering inclusive pathways into heritage and leadership.

• Expand our digital presence to connect more people with our collections and ideas – building meaningful hybrid experiences and global reach, with authenticity and accessibility at the core.

• Develop a resilient financial model that aligns income with purpose – growing diverse revenue streams to sustain our charitable mission and reinvest in innovation and charitable impact

The Institution, like many independent libraries, could not do without its wonderful team of volunteers, drawn from its membership, and Exeter University students. The Institution is cherished by members for its calm and peaceful atmosphere in the heart of the city, and its ability to bring a wide range of people together.

About_Us leaflet pdf