The ‘Literary & Scientific Institute’ founded in 1868 by Benjamin Lewis Rice Esq., (Hon. Secretary 1868-1887) Chief Instructor of Education on Museum Road, Bangalore was later converted by himself and renamed ‘Bowring Institute’ in 1888, the foundation stone having been laid by Lady Prendergast, the wife of the Resident, at its present location on St. Mark’s Road, Bengaluru to perpetuate the name Lewin Bentham Bowring Esq. the then Chief Commissioner of this Province and the first President of this former Literary & Scientific Institute.*

Bowring Institute, serenely yet most centrally located on St. Marks Road, Bengaluru with an expanse of 11 acres and 16.20 guntas, it is not only one of the largest and most prestigious Private Members Social Clubs in the city but is probably the only Institute with roads on all four sides.

Bowring Institute portrays itself as a Secular Institution working to protect and promote various Cultural Sports and Literary Events. We have a cosmopolitan group of over 5,000 Members, comprising of all sections of the Society with the largest daily attendance of any Social Club in the State.

Our Main Building has been declared as a ‘ State Protected Monument ’ featuring a historical Main Hall and Reading Room with its heritage dating back to 1888. Our Library offers many early edition books available in both English and Kannada.

Bowring Institute is a Social Club in the truest sense of the word providing elaborate Multi-Sports facilities such Tennis, Badminton, Squash, Billiards, Snooker and Swimming Pool, Health Club and Guest Quarters with ATM facility.

Bowring Institute has the only fully Air Conditioned HOPCOMS in the State of Karnataka offering the best quality fruits, vegetables, milk products, etc. There is also a Departmental Store exclusively for our Members.
Additional facilities include separate Gents & Ladies Hairdressing and Beauty Salons.
Bowring Institute employs a total of 149 Staff / Employees, many of whom have Long Service Awards.

The Managing Committee is determined to upgrade all facilities which would include an in-house Chemist, Health Consultation Unit, Authentic Chinese Restaurant, Fine Dining Vegetarian Restaurant, Party Halls for Private Parties ranging from 25 persons to 500 persons, Air Conditioned Lounge Bars and will continue to work to introduce innovative ideas to enhance the Services available to Members and their Guests.