Den World
Come and explore the idea of home – not just as a physical space but as a place of sanctuary, belonging and imagination in this immersive installation led by artists WABKIN (Fran Daykin and Huhtamaki Wab). ‘Den World’ is made from sustainable/recycled materials and is a welcoming space where children, young people and families can experiment with identity, storytelling, creativity, and community.
Bayeux, Battles and Making History
The Box Plymouth is proud to partner with the British Museum on ‘Bayeux Around Britain’. The 2026 Art Fund Museum of the Year will present the biggest public digital screening anywhere in the country of the legendary Bayeux Tapestry, a 70-metre-long masterpiece telling the story of the conquest of England in 1066, by William, Duke […]
Art Collection Highlights
Over the last few months nine works from The Box have been on display in Downing Street as part of the Government Art Collection’s prestigious ‘Museum in Residence’ scheme, introducing world leaders, government officials, and distinguished visitors to the breadth of Plymouth’s acclaimed art collection. All chosen for the stories they tell about British innovation, resilience, and creativity through the city’s unique lens, they’ve now returned to Plymouth. Come and see them on show throughout the autumn/winter.
Beryl Cook Maquettes
See a small selection of the 3D‑printed maquettes that were created by Theatre Royal Plymouth’s production company, TR2, in partnership with The Box during the development of the Beryl Cook Sculpture Trail. Four figures inspired by Cook’s paintings have been made into larger-than-life 3D models and installed in some of the places that have been immortalised in her work – the Barbican, The Hoe, Plymouth Market and the place where the Lockyer Tavern pub once stood. The trail realises a long-held ambition to create a Beryl Cook presence in Plymouth’s public spaces.
Journeys with Mai
Take a journey of discovery across four gallery spaces exploring the complex histories between Europe and the South Pacific. Centre stage is ‘Portrait of Mai’ by Plympton-born Sir Joshua Reynolds – widely considered to be his finest work and a portrait of the first Polynesian person to visit Britain.
Beryl Cook: Pride and Joy
Celebrate the life, work and legacy of one of Britain’s most distinctive artists in this landmark exhibition which marks 100 years since her birth. ‘Pride and Joy’ is the most extensive display of Beryl Cook’s work to date with more than 80 works, from iconic paintings to rarely seen treasures from private collections and the Cook family archives. The exhibition fundamentally reassesses Cook’s significance as a chronicler of everyday life during a time of great change in Britain.
Reclaim. Revive. Remake.
This community-inspired display focuses on The Gansey Gathering – a unique project devised by The Conscious Sisters CIC and supported by The Box, Plymouth Sound National Marine Park and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Over the last couple of years they have been working with local knitters and artists to bring back a lost fishing jumper to Plymouth. The display is built around two key images: a wonderful photo from The Box’s archive and a photo of contemporary crabber BJ Tapper. Come and discover more about the ‘Janner Gansey’!
Display: Dear Beryl
See insights from artist Beryl Cook’s personal archive of letters, photographs and behind-the-scenes materials in our Active Archives gallery – many of which have never been displayed before. They offer an intimate look into her life, interests and influences, the affection that many people across the world held for her, and the close creative circles and friendships she cherished.
Remember Respond Resist
What do we remember from the past? How do we respond to instability? Where can we find resilience and hope in an ever-changing world? This dynamic programme of exhibitions was part of the UK/Poland Season 2025, explores memory, conflict and activism and featured the work of 23 different artists, including Royal Academicians Grayson Perry and Goshka Macuga. Below you can find out more about the programme we displayed.
Responding to ‘Running and Returning’
See a display of work created in partnership with Adopt South West (the regional adoption agency for Cornwall & Isles of Scilly, Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay) and local adoptive families. They’ve responded to the ‘Running and Returning’ exhibition by artist Jyll Bradley who was adopted as a baby. The families have worked with artist Beth Emily Richards over six creative workshops to explore the idea of a personal archive, scanning archive images from personal photo albums, and using digital photography, collage and other creative approaches.