Dunedin Athenaeum and Mechanics' Institute

Celebrating Dunedin's literary heritage

The Mechanics' Institute was originally formed in Dunedin in 1851 and became known as the Dunedin Athenaeum and Mechanics' Institute from 1859.

This private organisation took a wide responsibility for literacy and education of the Dunedin community at a time when no other adult education was available by providing a library and classes for its members.