Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution

Bath - once considered the home of geology - has become the home of a world class lecture programme and a collection rich in a diverse number of areas, thanks to the BRLSI. Holding regular events covering  subjects such as archaeology, zoology, mineralogy, botany, ethnology and palaeontology, BRLSI also have a historic library which encompasses exploration, history, philosophy and religion.

It all began in 1824 at their former premise on Terrace Walk, a site which held their Roman antiquities, expensive books and geological specimens. Its prestige garnered royal patronage from Queen Victoria in 1837 and in 1932 it moved to its current home on Queen Square. During the Second World War the contents of the BRLSI were put into hibernation, not to be restored until 1993. 

Now it has become a favoured site for regular exhibitions, lectures, and literary events. Each summer there is a special summer exhibition featuring items from the BRLSI's own collection of geology, ethnography, archaeology, botany and palaeontology. This summer the exhibition is Jurassic Ark, featuring the prehistoric history of Somerset. They also have rooms available for hire for a variety of uses. Please check the website before visiting as opening times may vary. Entry cost is free, apart from evening talks (which will take place on Zoom for the foreseeable).

BRLSI also has a brand new Discovery Trails app, available from the iTunes App Store and Google Play. Or you can visit the website for more information. The app allows you to explore the city and follow stories of unique objects from the BRLSI's collection, including The War Crosses, information on the origin of species, the first meteorite, and The Railway Leviathan.