Two for the price of one, concise presentations will explain the history of these establishments.
The Ipswich Institute is as progressive now as when it was founded in 1824. Today as a registered educational charity the Institute is open to all who choose to join. Members come with a great variety of backgrounds and interests and all find something worth joining for - whether it be the library itself, the numerous leisure learning courses on offer, the educational lectures and trips, or the café and restaurant facilities. Through a link with the Association of Independent Libraries members are able to visit similar establishments across the United Kingdom. The Institute also gives financial support to a variety of local educational projects.
Arlington’s is the site of the original Ipswich Museum, opened in 1846. It was home to the Ipswich Scientific Society then in 1881 the collection was moved to its present site in High Street. Now a brasserie it hosts Ipswich Cafe Poets, a lively mix of long time members and enthusiastic young poets and poetry lovers from Ipswich and surrounds.