Free things to enjoy at The Box this January

Fascinating galleries

All our galleries are free to visit and are packed with highlights from our art, human history, natural history, media and archive collections. From Bronze and Iron Age items to a mass display of pickled dea creatures - there's something for everyone. You can also meet visitor favourites Colin the Crab (in the Planet Ocean exhibition), Gus Honeybun (in the Media Lab gallery) and Mildred the Mammoth (in the natural history gallery).

Amazing exhibitions

Did you know our exhibitions are also free and change at regular intervals throughout the year? We have a brilliant range of shows on display at the moment - some of which close soon! Land Sea Sky includes some stunning prints, photographs, watercolours and oil paintings by three different artists: Ingrid Pollard, Vija Celmins and the world famous JMW Turner; Paul Rooney - Broken Token is a two-screen film and sound work that explores the idea of home during times of conflict with a beautiful soundtrack and recollections from local veterans; Devonport 200 celebrates the 200th anniversary of Plymouth Dock changing its name to Devonport with a number of documents and images from the archives on display. All three close at the end of Sunday 12 January so catch them while you can!

You can also see Osman Yousefzada - When will we be good enough? (until 9 March) in St Luke's church – an eye-catching sculptural installation that asks questions about global power structures and the links between colonial seafaring routes and today's digital age - and Planet Ocean (until 27 April) - a brilliant blend of natural history, social history and art that explores our relationship with the sea and how we can safeguard it for the future.

What's more, from Saturday 18 January you'll be able to see Windrush in the Far South West, a new display that shares the little-known stories of the people who came to this country after the Second World War from the Caribbean.

Family activities

We always have a selection of free family trails on offer. Pick up one (or more) from our Welcome Desk and use them to explore our spaces. Our ‘Explore More’ tables next to our shop are available throughout the year with a variety of fun craft activities for you to enjoy before, during or after you’ve looked around.

Storytelling sessions

Do you have little ones who like to be read to? Our ‘Tell Me a Story’ sessions are free, non-bookable and run from 10.30am-11am each Friday.

Free artist talk

Artist Paul Rooney who created our Broken Token film commission is giving a free talk on Friday 10 January. If you'd love to find out more about what inspired him and how the role of local veterans and folk musician Hannah Martin helped create the finished piece, book your ticket now!

Recent History Day

If you live in or have links with the Devonport area we'd love you to come along to our Recent History Day on Saturday 11 January. Pop in at any point between 10am and 5pm to share your stories, memories, photographs or objects with us. The event is free with no need to book and we'll also treat you to some tea and cake!

Raindrop to Flood

If you're feeling creative come along to our free family-friendly Raindrop to Flood event on Saturday 25 January. You'll be able to add your finishing touches to a large collaborative artwork - and you'll get a certificate and badge for taking part!

Become a volunteer

Keen for a new challenge in 2025? Volunteering at The Box is a chance to be part of a friendly team in an award-winning cultural venue. We have some exciting opportunities coming up this year and are always looking for Gallery Guides who can help our visitors interpret and connect with what’s on display. Find out more.

Time for some research?

If one of your new year’s resolutions is to find out more about your family or local history, why not book some time in our Cottonian Research Room where you can tap into useful online resources or view items from The Box's collections?

Happy new year from all of us at The Box!