Commonwealth Institute

An organization founded in 1959 to replace the Imperial Institute, itself founded in 1886 to promote commerce and industry between the countries of the British Empire. Based in London and Edinburgh, its main activity is the promotion of the heritage and culture of its member nations.

The Commonwealth Institute is an educational charity loosely connected with the Commonwealth of Nations.

The Institute was established in the late 19th century by the governments of the United Kingdom and several of the countries of the British Empire to promote education and research which would benefit the Empire. After Britain's accession to the European Economic Community support for the institute from other Commonwealth governments fell away, leaving Britain to bear nearly all of the cost. This led to a decision by the British government that the institute should refocus on educational programmes, which were more consistent with policy of the day.

The Institute has established a working relationship with the University of Cambridge, which seeks to use the expertise available to foster primary and secondary education throughout the Commonwealth.

The Institute occupies a distinctive green roofed building immediately to the south of Holland Park. It used to be open to the public on a daily basis, and contained a permanent exhibition about the nations of the Commonwealth which was designed to promote trade between them, but visitor numbers were disappointing, so it shut its doors in the late 1990s and concentrated on its other activities.

In 2005 the Institute's director proposed to sell the building in order to help fund its education projects, a proposal which was criticised by her predecessors.