The Box
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A girl in a blue coat takes a photo on her mobile device
Two women look at an interactive display
A mum and her two daughters look at a display of insects
The Box Plymouth
A girl in a blue coat takes a photo on her mobile device
Two women look at an interactive display
A mum and her two daughters look at a display of insects
People and Place: Art Collection Showcase exhibition at The Box
A large yellow, white and orange ship's figurehead hangs in front of a wall of ship's badges
The Armada Portrait on display at The Box, Plymouth, 2023
People and Place: Art Collection Showcase at The Box
Royal Naval ship's figureheads on display at The Box, Plymouth
A girl in a blue coat takes a photo on her mobile device
Two women look at an interactive display
A mum and her two daughters look at a display of insects
The Box Plymouth
A girl in a blue coat takes a photo on her mobile device
Two women look at an interactive display
A mum and her two daughters look at a display of insects
People and Place: Art Collection Showcase exhibition at The Box
A large yellow, white and orange ship's figurehead hangs in front of a wall of ship's badges
The Armada Portrait on display at The Box, Plymouth, 2023
People and Place: Art Collection Showcase at The Box
Royal Naval ship's figureheads on display at The Box, Plymouth

The Box is Plymouth’s award-winning 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. We are open 10am-5pm Tuesday to Sunday and selected bank holidays.

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.

Two people watch a film projection in a dark gallery

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.

Mildred the woolly mammoth at The Box, Plymouth

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.

A high view of people sat around a table in a cafe

Our ambitious exhibition programme changes throughout the year and features presentations from our permanent collections as well as touring exhibitions from around the UK and beyond.

Dutch Flowers exhibition at The Box, Plymouth - autumn 2023

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.

Find what’s on at The Box

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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. For more information, visit our access page.

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?

As per our terms and conditions 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!

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Opening the Box!

The whole experience was great. From welcome at the desk through the differing galleries to eating in the cafe. Loved the layout of the museum, particularly the history of Plymouth.

CAMPIEIan Nov 2022

Family Visit

For free it’s a great place to visit. Ideal place to visit if the kids are on holiday or on a wet day.

Maxsimilie69 Sept. 2022

Very Informative

Loved this place so much to see lots to learn would defo recommend visiting if you are ever in Plymouth go and see for yourself

Diane D Oct. 2022

Great Museum

Had a great time at this museum. I don’t think it could have been better advertised and sign posted to. While ‘The Box’ is a very snappy name it doesn’t tell me what’s going to be inside, we almost didn’t come as it is a bit out of town/port area where the other touristy things are.

I really enjoyed the exhibition about Plymouth’s history.

Natasha W Aug. 2022

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