An Institute is a base of operations for Shadowhunters. They are found in every major city across the world and are often located in churches or built on holy ground.
Purpose[]
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This article covers a topic that has not been fully explored on the show and thus contains some information taken from the books, in addition to information from the TV series. |
Institutes serve as the local power bases of the Nephilim where they oversee all tactical missions within their locality. Institutes also serve as Nephilim homes.
While mundanes are not allowed into Institutes under normal circumstances, the Law allows for Shadowhunters to offer mundanes sanctuary if they are in imminent danger from any demon or Downworlder-related attack, as long as the situation does not compromise the secrecy and safety of the Shadow World.
The same holds for Downworlders. Typically, no Downworlder can come into Institutes without being invited in by a Shadowhunter. They may be hosted or held in the Institute for shelter, interrogations, meetings, or for the simple maintenance of their cordial relations, particularly those who assist the Nephilim.[1] Those guilty of minor violations are also sometimes held in the keeps of Institutes.[2]
Known Institutes[]
- London Institute
- Los Angeles Institute
- Mumbai Institute
- New York Institute
- Brussels Institute
- Lisbon Institute
- Paris Institute
- Toronto Institute
- Istanbul Institute
Trivia[]
- Incestute is a common fan nickname for the concept, referring to the prevalent theme of incest within the Mortal Instruments intellectual property.