Since 1891, the Veneto Institute of Sciences, Arts and Letters has headquarters in Loredan, Venice in Campo S.Stefano; however, much of the public activity takes place in the nearby Franchetti palace, purchased in 1999 by Venezia Iniziative Culturali srl, of which the Institute is the only member. The use of the Palazzo Franchetti spaces and services by the Institute is governed by a convention.The Institute also has three other operating venues, two in Venice (the palace known as Casa Minich, adjacent to Palazzo Loredan, and an exhibition space at the Zattere) and one in Mestre (book store with adjoining consultation room).