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Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution

16 - 18 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HN

Type:Exhibition Centre

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Tel+44 (0) 1225 312084

About

Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution (BRLSI), founded in 1824, is a place where science, literature and the arts come together to fire up imaginations and showcase amazing collections of treasures from around the world.

BRLSI is an independent charity that exists to promote a world of culture to Bath and its surrounding areas, and through the power of digital technology, the wider world. It is a non-profit organisation and provides world-class lectures for as little as £4.00 a ticket.

Not only that, BRLSI provides a community hub to a host of smaller cultural societies who use its building to meet, delivers an amazing programme of family activities, and maintains a rich geographical and ethnological collection of world renown and importance.

For further news of BRLSI's events and activities, sign up to the venue's 'Weekly What's On' newsletter at https://www.brlsi.org/whats-on-events/weeklynewsletter/.

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Facilities

Other

Step-free access to all or most areas: There is step-free access to all or most areas. This may include access by ramp or lift. As a minimum, there is step-free access to an accessible toilet and at least one food and beverage outlet, where available.

Establishment Features

Event Venue

GENERAL

Assistive listening system: There is an assistive listening system available e.g. a hearing loop.
Disability awareness / equality training: Disability awareness / equality training is provided for staff.
Wheelchair-accessible toilet in public areas: A designated accessible toilet designed for wheelchair users, and others with visible and non-visible accessibility requirements, is available within the main public areas.

Key Features

In town/city centre
No Smoking Attraction

PARKING

Designated accessible parking: Designated accessible parking is available within 50 metres of the main entrance or an alternative step-free entrance if applicable.

Parking & Transport

Parking (charge) - Charlotte Street Pay and Display Car Park Nearby.

Show Facilities

Opening Times

Opening (1 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026)
Day	Times
Monday - Saturday	10:00	- 16:00*
Sunday	Closed*

Dates and times marked with a '*' are provisional and may be subject to change

Visit the website for more information

Events

Monday, 26th October 2026 - Monday, 26th October 2026

Trafalgar: the battle & its consequences at Bath Royal Literary and Scientific InstitutionProfessor Andrew Lambert, one of the world's most eminent Nelson scholars explains how Trafalgar shaped the future of European (and indeed World) history.: more info

Thursday, 29th October 2026 - Friday, 30th October 2026

The Spooky Club! at Bath Royal Literary and Scientific InstitutionReady to have fun and get creative? Then join BRLSI this October half term for The Spooky Club – free drop-in activities for kids!: more info

Tuesday, 3rd November 2026 - Tuesday, 3rd November 2026

From John Locke to America's founding & destiny at Bath Royal Literary and Scientific InstitutionHow did the roots of American independence have its roots in the writings of English philosopher John Locke?: more info

Wednesday, 4th November 2026 - Wednesday, 4th November 2026

The eighteenth-century way of death in Bath at Bath Royal Literary and Scientific InstitutionThis talk at Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution examines how an entrepreneurial undertaking trade developed in the city and how new ideas about death transformed the streets into a stage for funerary show.: more info

Friday, 6th November 2026 - Friday, 6th November 2026

Invisible Rainbows: Exploring the Universe Beyond our Senses at Bath Royal Literary and Scientific InstitutionThis talk at Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution will explore the powerful phenomena, extraordinary events, and prodigious objects that populate the universe, and how incredible it is that they have been discovered using light that cannot be seen.: more info

Friday, 6th November 2026 - Friday, 6th November 2026

Two Monsoons: life & death in Imperial South Asia at Bath Royal Literary and Scientific InstitutionTwo monsoons: this was often the life-span of Britons in India before they succumbed to illness, warfare or accident – just two years. Their graves lie wherever the East India Company set foot.: more info

Monday, 9th November 2026 - Monday, 9th November 2026

Eco talks at BRLSI – Degrowing towards an equal worldHow can a sustainable future be built?: more info

Saturday, 14th November 2026 - Saturday, 14th November 2026

Bath Taps Into Science 2026 at Bath Royal Literary and Scientific InstitutionA jam-packed day of hands-on science fun!: more info

Thursday, 26th November 2026 - Sunday, 13th December 2026

BRLSI Christmas MarketHosting local makers and designers – with stalls changing every few days, there’s always something new to see! Come into the warmth and browse to your heart’s content at the BRLSI and their Grade I listed building.: more info

Accessibility Information

PARKING

Designated accessible parking: Designated accessible parking is available within 50 metres of the main entrance or an alternative step-free entrance if applicable.

ACCESS TO KEY AREAS

Step-free access to all or most areas: There is step-free access to all or most areas. This may include access by ramp or lift. As a minimum, there is step-free access to an accessible toilet and at least one food and beverage outlet, where available.

GENERAL

Assistive listening system: There is an assistive listening system available e.g. a hearing loop.

Disability awareness / equality training: Disability awareness / equality training is provided for staff.

Wheelchair-accessible toilet in public areas: A designated accessible toilet designed for wheelchair users, and others with visible and non-visible accessibility requirements, is available within the main public areas.

This information is self-assessed; therefore we accept no liability for its accuracy. Please contact the venue for further information.

Map & Directions

Map Link

Click here to view map

Road Directions

Find out about the latest on the roads and get travel directions from TravelWest.info Bath is operating a charging Clean Air Zone. Owners of all higher emission vehicles – except private cars and motorbikes – will need to pay to drive in the city centre. To check if you need to pay or to apply for an exemption or discount, go to bathnes.gov.uk/BathCAZ

Public Transport Directions

For comprehensive information about getting here by public transport, please visit TravelWest.info Bath is operating a charging Clean Air Zone. Owners of all higher emission vehicles – except private cars and motorbikes – will need to pay to drive in the city centre. To check if you need to pay or to apply for an exemption or discount, go to bathnes.gov.uk/BathCAZ

TripAdvisor

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