The Box Plymouth

About us

From 18 May, visitors can also see three exhibitions:

Mayflower 400: Legend and Legacy

‘Mayflower 400: Legend and Legacy’ is the national commemorative exhibition for the Mayflower 400 anniversary. It’s Plymouth’s largest loans exhibition ever and has been co-curated with the Wampanoag Advisory Committee to Plymouth 400 in the USA. Forget everything you thought you knew about the Mayflower. The exhibition debunks the myths and explores how one ship connects four nations over 400 years.

Powerful perspectives are shared through images, ideas and objects including the first Bible to be printed in America, the last known record of the Mayflower, the oldest existing state document of New England, drawings, diaries, maps, plans and portraits, and the first piece of Wampanoag art commissioned by the city.

The exhibition features 300 items, on loan from 100 museums, libraries and archives from around the world, including Native American items from The National Museum of the American Indian and the Harvard Peabody collection.

The exhibition will run until January 2022 and is free to Plymouth residents and under 18s. Tickets for non-residents aged 18+ are just £5.

Wampum: Stories from the Shells of Native America 

Like ‘Mayflower 400: Legend and Legacy’, this symbolic exhibition is an important part of Plymouth’s ongoing Mayflower 400 commemorations. It centres on a wampum belt created by 100 members of the Wampanoag of Massachusetts, which will be displayed alongside seven historic wampum belts on loan from the British Museum and Saffron Walden Museum.

Wampum belts are made from the shells of the quahog clam and tell stories of communities and culture. The exhibition will explore the history, art and culture of the Native Americans whose ancestors met the passengers of the Mayflower and ensured their survival 400 years ago.

The exhibition will run until 11 July and tickets are free.

Making It 

‘Making It’ is the first contemporary art exhibition at The Box and aims to contrast the labour intensive process of making and Plymouth’s history as a city of makers. The exhibition includes works by four international artists: Leonor Antunes, Eva Grubinger, Alexandre da Cunha and Antony Gormley.

Portuguese artist Leonor Antunes’ work responds to the renovated architecture of St Luke’s church and features a new floor work and a series of rope elements that interconnect with hanging brass sculptures and glass coloured lights. They’re shown alongside a beautiful new fused glass window also created by Antunes for the building.

Austrian sculptor and installation artist Eva Grubinger focusses on everyday objects. Her ‘Fender’ is a giant ship’s fender made from vulcanized rubber and steel that dovetails with many of the maritime objects in The Box’s collections. It’s located near a suspended flotilla of 14 monumental ship’s figureheads, referencing Plymouth’s history as a major naval, shipping and fishing port as well as a place of exploration and expedition.

Brazilian artist Alexandre da Cunha’s uses existing and found items, inviting audiences to see them with a new perspective. His sculpture ‘Figurehead II’ is made up of four stacked chamber drainage rings. Standing at over six metres tall, its stature makes a direct reference to the post-war buildings and reconstruction of Plymouth. 

‘Making It’ continues until late summer 2021 and tickets are free.

Food and Drink

The Box Kitchen & Bar will re-open on 18 May serving a range of tasty meals, snacks and drinks (advance booking recommended). The Little Box, a brand new café in Tavistock Place will also be open from 18 May with an equally delicious range of locally sourced food and drinks.

Shop

The Box has a great gift shop which also offers a ‘click and collect’ service for those who want to maximise their time in the galleries and exhibitions or browse online before or after their visit.

Safety Measures

In preparation for opening, The Box has put a number of safety and social distancing measures in place to help visitors feel as comfortable as possible. These include:

• Free admission by advance ticket only, with an easy to follow booking system on The Box's website (tickets can be booked from 10 September)
• Face coverings must be worn 
• Reduced capacity and clearly marked one way systems in key areas of circulation
• Increased invigilation by staff and volunteers
• Hand sanitising facilities and enhanced cleaning
• A temporary reduction in on site events alongside an enhanced digital offer

Memberships

You can support The Box by becoming a member. Members will receive exclusive offers, special behind-the-scenes glimpses and unlimited free entry to chargeable exhibitions. Find out more on The Box's website. 

This major redevelopment scheme is led by Plymouth City Council in partnership with the University of Plymouth and the National Museum of the Royal Navy. It is supported by the City Council, Heritage Lottery Fund, Arts Council England, Coastal Communities Fund, Garfield Weston Foundation, University of Plymouth, Wolfson Foundation, British Film Institute and Interreg.