Plymouth Athenaeum

10/07/2026

'The refurbishment works will make the building better than ever and provide an exciting and accessible event space'

10/07/2026

We're looking forward to seeing people tomorrow for the drop-in event as part of the New Athenaeum project launch (10am-2pm).

Come and see the plans and talks to us about them.

A big thank you to William Telford and Plymouth Live for this story.

Plans on show at Plymouth Athenaeum before transformation begins

03/07/2026

New Athenaeum Project Launch - Saturday, 11 July 2026 – 10am-2pm

Help us start the New Athenaeum Project journey by joining us at this drop-in event showcasing the £2m building refurbishment plans

Join us as we showcase the launch of a major, £2m refurbishment project for one of the city’s most iconic buildings which will see the full re-opening of our much-loved theatre in 2027.

To find out more and register visit: https://new-athenaeum-launch.eventbrite.co.uk

23/03/2026

Did you know the Macartney Embassy (1792–1794) was the first official British diplomatic mission to China, led by George Macartney to the Qing dynasty's Qianlong Emperor.

Aiming to open trade, establish a permanent embassy, and ease restrictions in Canton, the mission failed to achieve its goals as the Emperor viewed the requests as contradictory to tradition and unnecessary.

Find out more in Dr HannahTheaker's lecture 'Our Great Qing: Revisiting the Macartney Embassy and China's Long 19th Century' on Thursday (March 26, 7.30pm).

Full details: https://our-great-qing-athenaeum.eventbrite.co.uk

18/03/2026

Our Spring lecture programme starts next Thursday (26 March, 7.30pm) when University of Plymouth's Dr Hannah Theaker discusses the Macartney Embassy and China's long 19th Century.

Find out more about this and the other talks here: https://plymouthathenaeum.eventbrite.com

19/02/2026

We're backing Plymouth's City of Culture 2029 bid.

19/02/2026

We were thrilled to get a mention on BBC Radio 4's In Our Time this morning when Prof Nicholas Roe from the School of English, University of St Andrews talked about Charles Brown, his lecture and display of 'Keatsiana' at the Plymouth Athenaeum.

Prof Roe gave a guest lecture on Charles Brown, John Keats and Plymouth at the Plymouth Athenaeum on 28 October 2016.

Over the years we have had a few members mentioned on In Our Time, including Charles Darwin, but this is the first time we have got a namecheck!

In Our Time is a brilliant programme and always worth listening to.

Here is a link to the programme:

How one of the great Romantic poets produced so much in his brilliant but short life.

16/02/2026

✨ COSY CREATIVES – Craft, Connect & Stay Warm! ✨

Looking for a relaxed, welcoming creative space in Plymouth?

Join Cosy Creatives, a supported making and upcycling group designed especially for neurodivergent and/or learning-disabled adults 💛

🧵 Hands-on crafting & sewing
🔥 Make cosy items to keep you and your home warmer
🌱 Learn simple ways to reduce energy use all year round
🤝 Friendly, supportive environment — no experience needed!

✅ FREE to attend thanks to funding from National Grid
📅 Running until the end of March — don’t miss out!

Whether you love being creative or just want to try something new, come along, meet new people, and create something practical and beautiful together.

📍 The Flat at the Athenaeum, Plymouth
🕒 Mondays | 3pm – 5pm

Spaces available — message us to find out more or book your place! 0764737620
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