This is an ambitious display organised around the themes of Belonging, Memory and Connection. A selection of works from The…
As Art Fund Museum of the Year 2026 winner, The Box is Plymouth’s museum, art gallery and archive. It’s a place where art, history, ideas and experiences come to life!
We’re a short walk from Plymouth’s main city centre and train station. In 2022, we were awarded a special commendation in the European Museum of the year awards.
Entry to The Box is FREE and there’s no need to book for general admission to our galleries. We are open 10am-5pm Tuesday to Sunday and selected Bank Holiday Mondays. Our summer 2026 exhibitions are ‘Echoes of Us’ (until 20 September) which features a wonderful selection of works from the Government Art Collection and ‘Gillian Ayres: A Life in Colour’ (4 July-4 October) which celebrates the life, career and legacy of one of Britain’s most pioneering abstract artists. Book in advance online to enjoy priority access.
We have two different buildings to browse and explore. Come and enjoy a series of galleries filled with highlights from our art, human history, natural history, film, photographic and archival collections. See a flotilla of 14 impressively restored ship’s figureheads, on loan from the National Museums of the Royal Navy. Discover more about Plymouth’s epic relationship with the sea. Say ‘hello’ to Mildred the woolly mammoth.
Book a slot in our Cottonian Research Room if you’d like to discover more about your own history. Browse and buy from our onsite shop which is packed with eco-friendly products. Relax with a delicious drink, meal or snack in The Box Kitchen & Bar.
Talks, family activities, live music and special events are also on offer throughout the year.
Whether you’ve got one hour, two hours, half a day or a whole day, a visit to The Box is a great experience. We look forward to welcoming you soon.
What's on at The Box
Offers at The Box
Great British Summer Savings
Unti 1 September 2026, we’re offering a discount on children’s meals in The Box Kitchen & Bar as part of the Great British Summer Savings initiative. We’re also offering discounted admission to our historic sites: Smeaton’s Tower on The Hoe and Elizabethan House on The Barbican.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the entrance to The Box and is it accessible?
The Box is committed to maximising access for everyone. Our main entrance on Tavistock Place is fully accessible. Disabled parking is available at the end of Tavistock Place and we have one mobility scooter and four wheelchairs available for visitors.
Is it free to go to The Box in Plymouth?
Entry to The Box is free! If you enjoy your visit, please make a donation. Whatever you can give will help us to keep The Box free for all.
How long do people spend in The Box in Plymouth?
Your should allow at least 1-2 hours to visit as there is a lot to see and plenty of history about Plymouth.
Who owns The Box, Plymouth?
The Box is owned by Plymouth City Council, it also owns St Luke’s church buildings. The Box is operated through a not-for-profit company called Arca (Plymouth) Ltd. Arca’s trading name is The Box.
I can no longer make the event I booked, can I get a refund?
All paid tickets are non-refundable. Tickets for events, as per our terms and conditions, are non-transferrable unless in the event of closure of The Box or cancellation of the event. These tickets cannot be resold. Please see our information on requesting an exchange in the information above.
Can I bring my dog to The Box?
Guide and service dogs are welcome at The Box, but otherwise you cannot bring your pets with you when you visit!
