The Box
Discover Plymouth's rich history, vibrant art, and natural wonders at The Box, a free museum with something for everyone.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
The Box
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Plymouth's rich history, vibrant art, and natural wonders at The Box, a free museum with something for everyone.
"A brilliant museum showcasing the history of Plymouth and its surrounding areas throughout centuries!"
🎯 Free Entry for All!
Enjoy the entire museum and its collections without any admission fee. :moneywithwings:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the exhibits, so wear comfy shoes. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Plymouth's Maritime History
History Galleries
Discover the city's seafaring past, from ancient voyages to its role as a major world port. See fascinating ship displays and learn about expeditions.
Cornwall's Newlyn School Art
Art Galleries
Admire vibrant artworks from the renowned Newlyn School, showcasing local landscapes and life with a distinct artistic flair.
Natural History Wonders
Natural History Gallery
Explore engaging displays on local wildlife and natural history, offering a glimpse into the region's diverse ecosystems.
Ancient Egypt Collection
History Galleries
Journey back in time with artifacts and insights into ancient Egyptian culture and history, a surprising and captivating exhibit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission, Big Impact
Beyond the Exhibits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Entry for All!
Enjoy the entire museum and its collections without any admission fee. :moneywithwings:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the exhibits, so wear comfy shoes. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Moments
Photography is generally allowed, so bring your phone or camera to snap pics of your favorite exhibits. :camerawithflash:
☕ Refuel at the Cafe
Take a break and grab a bite or a coffee at the pleasant cafe located in the entrance lobby. :coffee:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Entry for All!
Enjoy the entire museum and its collections without any admission fee. :moneywithwings:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the exhibits, so wear comfy shoes. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Moments
Photography is generally allowed, so bring your phone or camera to snap pics of your favorite exhibits. :camerawithflash:
☕ Refuel at the Cafe
Take a break and grab a bite or a coffee at the pleasant cafe located in the entrance lobby. :coffee:
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Dedicate at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the diverse history, art, and natural science displays. :hourglassflowingsand:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise The Box for its free admission and diverse, well-curated exhibits spanning history, art, and natural sciences. The building's architecture and the engaging nature of the displays, particularly for families, are frequently highlighted as positives. Some minor critiques might involve the occasional busy periods or the desire for even more in-depth information on certain topics.
"This was a brilliant museum to visit, showcasing the history of Plymouth and its surrounding areas throughout centuries! The exhibits about ships are really interesting with displays of different ones that sailed from the city, particularly the one heading to the North Pole. Information is also shown about how people followed their career paths from Plymouth and model of the city's planning is well-crafted, creative imagery of outdoor areas is admirable itself too! Various cameras and their usage in theatres are delved into, television promotional aspects are revealed also. Artwork section is very creative with the likes of a pram holding up a twig with leaves, multi-headed women and a tree with unique branches off of it!"
K. Peake
"In this eautiful building from 1910 you can find an interesting " for all the family" exhibitions about Plymouth's history and prehistoric history, a small nature museum style exhibition which is very interesting and a modern art one too. Free admission, nice cafe, pleasent staff , absolutely perfect. Highly recommend visit."
Yossi Galiko
"I discovered this place when putting in a Google search of things to do in the area on a rainy day! It was indeed a very wet day so we headed over to The Box and as I love a museum with local history, I was looking forward to the visit. Very good natural history display and excellent video showing the history and development of Plymouth through the ages. Plymouth's place as a major world port was the subject of another of the rooms. There is a cafe and shop, and this is free to visit. Highly recommended and very child friendly."
Elizabeth Baker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Box is centrally located in Plymouth. You can reach it easily by public transport, with many bus routes stopping nearby. If driving, there are several car parks in the vicinity. It's also a pleasant walk from the city center and the waterfront.
While The Box itself doesn't have dedicated parking, there are several public car parks within a short walking distance, such as the Drake Circus car park or the Charles Cross car park.
Yes, Plymouth train station is about a 15-20 minute walk from The Box. It's a straightforward route through the city center.
Absolutely! Numerous bus routes serve the city center, with stops very close to The Box, making it easily accessible for visitors using public transportation.
Many visitors combine a trip to The Box with exploring the historic Barbican, the Hoe, and the city center. The Box is a great starting point for understanding Plymouth's rich history.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The great news is that admission to The Box is completely free! You can explore all the galleries and exhibitions without purchasing a ticket. :moneywithwings:
Generally, you do not need to book tickets in advance for general admission as it's free. However, for special events or exhibitions, it's always best to check their official website.
The Box typically opens from Tuesday to Sunday, with hours usually from 10 AM to 5 PM. It's advisable to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening times, especially around holidays.
The Box is usually open on bank holidays, but it's always recommended to verify their specific holiday hours on their official website to avoid any disappointment.
While general admission is free, some temporary or special exhibitions might have a separate charge or require advance booking. Check The Box's official website for details on current exhibitions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Box features a diverse range of exhibits including Plymouth's history, natural sciences, fine art (like the Newlyn School), and even an ancient Egypt collection. There are also interactive displays and historical archives.
Yes, The Box is very child-friendly with interactive screens and engaging displays that appeal to younger visitors. Many families find it a great place for a day out. :child:
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but please be mindful of any specific signage regarding flash photography or particular exhibits.
The Box is designed to be accessible, with lifts and ramps to help visitors navigate the different levels. It aims to provide an inclusive experience for everyone.
The building itself is a beautiful historic structure, dating back to 1910, and has been thoughtfully renovated to house the museum's collections. Its architecture adds to the overall experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, The Box has a pleasant cafe located in the entrance lobby, offering a good selection of food and drinks for visitors to enjoy during their visit. :coffee:
The cafe typically serves a range of light meals, snacks, cakes, and beverages, making it a convenient spot for a break or a light lunch.
Being in the city center, there are numerous restaurants, cafes, and pubs within easy walking distance of The Box, offering a wide variety of cuisines.
Generally, it's best to consume your own food and drinks in designated areas or outside the museum to help preserve the exhibits. The cafe is available for dining.
Prices at the cafe are generally considered reasonable for a museum cafe, offering good value for the quality and convenience.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography for personal use is generally allowed inside The Box. However, always check for any specific signs regarding flash photography or particular exhibits. :camerawithflash:
The main restriction is usually on using flash photography, as it can damage delicate artworks and artifacts. Tripods may also be restricted during busy periods.
Many visitors find the art galleries, particularly the Newlyn School collection, and the unique displays in the natural history and ancient Egypt sections to be very photogenic.
The Box is housed in a beautiful historic building, so the exterior itself is quite photogenic, especially from the front entrance.
The interactive screens and the creative displays in the art galleries often make for interesting photos. The natural history section also has visually appealing specimens.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Plan for at least a couple of hours, and consider a break at the cafe. The interactive screens throughout the museum provide additional engagement, making learning fun and accessible for younger visitors. It's a great way to introduce children to history, art, and science in an enjoyable setting.
💰 Budget Travelers
Beyond the free entry, the on-site cafe offers reasonably priced refreshments, and the museum shop provides souvenirs if you wish to take a memento home. It's a destination that offers significant value and a rich cultural experience without a hefty price tag.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Beyond the Newlyn School, the museum consistently features diverse and creative art exhibitions. From historical pieces to contemporary installations, there's always something to spark conversation and inspire. The building's aesthetic also complements the art, creating an immersive cultural experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Plymouth's Rich History
Beyond its maritime connections, The Box also showcases Plymouth's prehistoric past and its development through the ages. An excellent video presentation offers a visual journey through the city's evolution, providing context for its present-day landscape. The model of the city's planning is particularly well-crafted and offers a unique perspective on urban development.
One of the most captivating historical elements is the ancient Egypt collection. This section provides a fascinating glimpse into a civilization thousands of years old, featuring artifacts and information that spark curiosity and wonder. It's a surprising and enriching addition to the museum's local focus, offering a broader historical perspective.
A Celebration of Art and Culture
Beyond the Newlyn School, the museum features a diverse range of fine art, often with creative and thought-provoking displays. You might encounter unique sculptures, contemporary pieces, and imaginative installations that challenge perceptions. The 'pram holding up a twig with leaves' and 'multi-headed women' mentioned in reviews highlight the eclectic and artistic nature of these collections.
In addition to visual arts, The Box also touches upon cultural history, including aspects of theatre and television. Exhibits on cameras and their usage in theaters, alongside television promotional elements, offer insights into the evolution of media and entertainment. This blend of artistic expression and cultural commentary makes for a well-rounded visitor experience.
Engaging Natural History
Visitors often highlight the quality of the displays, noting how well-curated and beautifully presented the natural history specimens are. This section complements the historical and artistic collections, offering a broader understanding of the area's heritage and environment. It’s a space where learning feels both accessible and enjoyable.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit