Plymouth Athenaeum was founded in 1812, and since 1819 has been on our present city centre site. The 1819 building, known as 'The Athenaeum,' was destroyed in the 1941 blitz, together with the museum, library and lecture room. The current building was opened in 1961, when our name was changed from 'The Plymouth Institution' to 'The Plymouth Athenaeum'. It includes a local interest library, lecture room, large lounge and a 340-seat theatre. We regret that the theatre closed from July 30th 2009 until further notice. We are self-supporting and self-governing. Our income comes solely from membership fees, theatre hiring fees and donations. We do not receive support from Plymouth City Council, nor from the Arts Council. Plymouth Athenaeum is governed by a Council elected annually by members.