Other Salons

The Leeds Salon

Founded in 2009 by Michele Ledda and Paul Thomas, it was inspired by their participation in the Institute of Ideas sixth-form Debating Matters competition.

Manchester Salon

Since 2007 it has organised discussions that move from a tricky topic in current affairs one month to a morally difficult subject of scientific research the next. It is sponsored by The Open University and The Institution of Engineering and Technology, among others.

East Midlands Salon

It embraces scientific and social experimentation, intellectual ambition and curiosity. And art for art’s sake, knowledge for its own sake, and education as an end in itself.

The Birmingham Salon

Birmingham Salon runs stimulating debates led by subject experts.

Berlin Salon

Das Freiblickinstitut organisiert Debatten über wichtige Themen aus Politik, Gesellschaft, Wirtschaft, Wissenschaft und Kunst. Wir stehen für Freiheit und Fortschritt und beziehen aus konsequent humanistischer Perspektive Stellung in aktuellen Diskussionen.

London Legal Salon

Every month, in a relaxed location in central London the London Legal Salon meets to discuss the big questions facing the law today. It operates under Chatham House rules.

Liverpool Salon

A discussion group that promotes public debate on everything from drug addiction to whether China is set to takeover the world.

Sheffield Salon

Its members and contributors come from many varied backgrounds and have differing outlooks, opinions and interests. The Salon advocates free speech, free scientific and philosophic enquiry and the idea that human progress is both possible and worthwhile. It is supported by University of Sheffield.

The New York Salon

The NY Salon aims to raise the level of discussion of our culture – from politics and business to science and the arts. It was founded by Alan Miller, the co-founder of The Truman Brewery, a 10 acre site in London’s East End, which has over 200 companies, ranging from recording studios to art galleries, entertainment spaces, restaurants, bars, cafes, fashion and retail. The NY Salon’s sponsors and partners include Continuum Books, QT Hotel, The New School and The Economist.

Institute of Ideas

Since 2000, the IoI has created a forum for intelligent and lively public debate of complex social issues. The IoI hosts a yearly two-day festival, the Battle of Ideas, a reviews site, Culture Wars and runs an acclaimed Sixth Form debating competition, Debating Matters. The Zurich Salon’s creation was inspired by the IoI and by its Battle of Ideas festival.

Battle of Ideas

Two days of high-level, thought-provoking, public debate organised by the Institute of Ideas at the Barbican. It is sponsored by, among others, SAB Miller, PWC, Statoil, Jaguar Land Rover, the Welcome Trust and the Barbican Centre, one of the world’s leading arts centres, founded and run by the City of London Corporation.

The Public Sphere

Organises philosophy salons. Its mission is to create stimulating intellectual environments and poetic experiences that re-enchant the world and advance principles of participatory democracy through sustained discourse and new encounters in the collective pursuit of knowledge and fellowship.