Art Fund Museum of the Year
Your journey begins from the moment you enter the gallery, with a large-scale audio visual introduction narrated by Dawn French. The collections bring to life a story that spans thousands of years, from ancient Bronze Age settlements, to its growth into a powerhouse of trade and commerce and into today’s bustling maritime hub.
Explore stunning showcases of archaeology that move through thousands of years of history. Here you’ll be able to find the surviving Early Bronze Age bear pelt, see artefacts such as the Elburton Urns that show how the earliest inhabitants of Dartmoor lived, and treasures like the Dunterton gold and sapphire ring.
Learn how Plymouth has both faced nature’s fury and harnessed the sea’s might. See oil paintings such as William Daniell’s dramatic depiction of the Eddystone Lighthouse battling fierce waves. Explore how Plymouth has overcome the sea’s challenges to provide a safe harbour.
Trace Devonport Dockyard’s evolution from sailing ships to innovative nuclear submarines through an array of models, plans, artefacts and moving images.
Most of all, you’ll find out about the people behind the port. They are ancient Whitehorse Hill settlers, hardworking ‘yardees’ of the dockyards, brave fishermen battling the elements and courageous troops and their families. Discover the stories of those who built and shaped Plymouth.
For families, why not have a close up look at the ship’s models, get hands-on and building a model of Smeaton’s Tower or peer through a real submarine’s periscope showing you a view around Plymouth Sound?
Get more resources linked to this gallery, including an audio clip about a dramatic painting of Smeaton’s Tower lighthouse, from our free Bloomberg Connects guide. You can access the resources before, during or after a visit to The Box.
Permanent galleries
Explore collections that reveal an epic tale of Plymouth and the sea.
Momentous and notorious voyages that began here in Plymouth.
Discover the beauty and diversity of nature all around you.
See 14 impressive ship’s figureheads in a unique suspended display.
A space where you can discover gems and insights from archive collections.
A quiet research area for you to access the varied collections.
Technologies, processes and people that have shaped our film and photographic heritage.
