Prices
Free entry
About us
The Box is Plymouth's major award-winning museum, art gallery and archive – located just a short walk from the main city centre.
Come and see a series of galleries that showcase the city’s incredible collections with thousands of natural history specimens, a full-size replica woolly mammoth, wonderful works of art, amazing archive film and photography, and fascinating documents, maps and plans.
Buy a gift or souvenir in the great onsite shop which is packed full of locally sourced products. Enjoy a delicious bite to eat, a drink or a snack from The Box Kitchen & Bar restaurant.
If you’re interested in discovering more about Plymouth’s history or your own family history, you can book and use The Box’s research facilities.
An exciting events programme which includes family-friendly activities, free storytelling sessions, talks and live music is also on offer throughout the year.
Entry to The Box is free and there is no need to book. Opening hours are 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holidays.
See online for opening hours for The Box Kitchen & Bar.
All The Box’s exhibitions are free with no need to book in advance, and there’s a brilliant variety of artists, art forms and historical insights on display for you to enjoy throughout the year.
Christmas 2024 closing times
23, 24, 25, 26, 30 and 31 December and 1 January
2024
Current exhibitions are ‘Land Sea Sky: Ingrid Pollard, JMW Turner and Vija Celmins – three artists who, although working more than 200 years apart, are connected by their close observation of nature and skilful use of materials; Paul Rooney - Broken Token – a two-screen film that explores the idea of home during times of conflict and Devonport 200 – a series of displays and new film commission that form part of the city’s celebrations to mark 200 years since Dock changed its name to Devonport and all run until 12 January 2025.
Osman Yousefzada - When will we be good enough? a thought-provoking sculpture installation that asks question about power, class and our shared histories is also on display running until 9 March 2025. Lastly, Planet Ocean‘ (until 27 April 2025) which explores our relationship with the sea, highlights some of the vital research that is taking place in and around Plymouth and offers hope about how we can protect the ocean for the future.
Accessibility
At The Box we want everyone to enjoy the time they spend with us.
- Step free access is available at our main entrance on Tavistock Place.
- A hearing loop is available at our Welcome Desk and also in our research room and learning room.
- Projections and moving image displays in our galleries have subtitles.
- Two lifts provide access between our floors for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
- A Changing Places toilet is accessible with a radar key.
- Baby-changing facilities are available on the ground floor of our main building and in St Luke’s church.
- Two wheelchairs and a motorised scooter are available to borrow on request from our Welcome Desk.
- Some seating is available in our galleries and foldable stools can also be borrowed from our Welcome Desk.
- Guide and assistance dogs are welcome in our building.
- Large print label booklets are provided in each of our temporary exhibitions
You can find out even more from Access | The Box | The Box Plymouth.
Quieter times
There are quieter times during the week if you need a more relaxing sensory experience when you visit. Our galleries and exhibitions are generally less busy between 10-11am and 3-5pm Tuesday to Friday and from 10am-5pm on Sundays. Further information to help neurodiverse families and visitors with epilepsy and autism plan their visit are available from Access | The Box | The Box Plymouth.