The Institute is an asylum for Shadowhunters as a sanctuary place. Shadowhunters from around the world can stay in the Institute as the safe house whenever they are on a quest or journey. The Institute is a transit place for Shadowhunters. In order to accommodate the visitors, the Institute is usually a very large building with a dormitory setting with many rooms and facilities. The Institute purpose is to lodge and assist the visiting Shadowhunters. The Institute is designed with a protection against downworlders such as vampires and werewolves. The downworlders are forbidden to enter the Institute. In the movie, the Institute is the one in New York City. Shadowhunters is allowed to bring mundanes to the Institute to protect them from downworlders when they are being attacked.