News Articles
Press Release - Aug 2026
Sounds of Plymouth’s past to be heard again
The Box, 2026 Art Fund Museum of The Year, is partnering with heritage organisations across the region on a new ambitious project called ‘Sounds of the South West’, which aims to preserve and unlock our rich audio heritage.
Press Release - Aug 2026
The Box celebrates National Archive Service Accreditation success
The Box Plymouth is celebrating after successfully retaining Archive Service Accreditation – the UK-wide quality standard that recognises the high standards of care, preservation and public access provided by its archives team. Archive Service Accreditation is awarded against nationally agreed standards and acknowledges excellence in archive management, from governance and collections care to public engagement and accessibility.
Press Release - Jul 2026
New film commission by Jordan Baseman explores the full spectrum of human emotion at The Box this summer
The Box Plymouth is presenting a new film commission by artist and filmmaker Jordan Baseman as part of its ‘Summer of Expression’ – a programme of exhibitions and events that’s exploring the power of thoughts, feelings and emotions through art over the next few months.
Press Release - Jul 2026
Arts University Plymouth marks 170 years of creative education with new display at The Box
From Park Street to Tavistock Place, the free display explores how generations of students, staff and makers have helped shape Plymouth’s creative life since 1856.
Press Release - Jul 2026
Emerging photography commission winners revealed
We're delighted to announce the winners of the Emerging Photographers Commission for our forthcoming exhibition 'The Way We Live'. In our recent call-out we were seeking three emerging photographers or photography-based artists to create small-scale commissions that explore the meaning of 'home' and which will be shown at The Box from October 2026-February 2027 as part of our Autumn/Winter season.
Press Release - Jul 2026
‘Where’s Your Head At?’ display celebrates children and young people’s creativity
Imaginative artworks by 172 children and young people from across the Southwest are now on display at The Box as part of ‘Where’s Your Head At?’.
Press Release - Jul 2026
Enjoy a 'Summer of Expression' filled with major exhibitions and celebrations of young creativity
We're inviting audiences from across the Southwest to enjoy a vibrant ‘Summer of Expression’ here at The Box, featuring new exhibitions, family-friendly activities and inspiring displays showcasing the region’s creative talent. At the heart of the season are two major shows: 'Echoes of Us' (20 June-20 September) and 'Gillian Ayres: A Life in Colour' (4 July-4 October). Together, they explore the power of creativity, connection and self-expression while highlighting the South West's rich artistic heritage.
Press Release - Jun 2026
The Box Plymouth wins £120,000 Art Fund Museum of the Year 2026 Award
The Box Plymouth has been announced as Art Fund Museum of the Year 2026. Victoria Pomery, CEO and members of the team were presented with the £120,000 prize – the largest museum prize in the world – by June Sarpong OBE, broadcaster and judge for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2026, at a ceremony aboard Cutty Sark in Greenwich.
Art - Jun 2026
125 years of art, diplomacy and identity: Why the Government Art Collection matters
For 125 years, the Government Art Collection has quietly played a remarkable role in representing Britain to the world. This summer, visitors to 'Echoes of Us' at The Box have a rare opportunity to see works from this extraordinary national collection outside their usual diplomatic settings.
Press Release - Jun 2026
Beryl Cook exhibition smashes visitor target
We're delighted to announce that the hugely popular 'Beryl Cook: Pride and Joy' attracted nearly 104,000 visits during its run – exceeding its original target of 75,000 by almost 30,000. The exhibition, which celebrated the life and work of artist Beryl Cook and marked the centenary of her birth, proved to be the most successful show staged at The Box Plymouth since it opened in late September 2020.
Art - Jun 2026
A Summer for Everyone: Explore The Box Plymouth and more!
As Plymouth comes into its own in the warmer months, there’s no better time to get out and explore. Whether you’re planning family days out, looking to dive into local history, or seeking creative inspiration, The Box Plymouth and its historic sites offer something for every kind of visitor this summer
News - May 2026
Beryl's Influences
Although artist Beryl Cook was self-taught, she didn’t create her paintings in a vacuum. She actively mined newsreels and local papers, was an avid reader who owned many books, captured hundreds of photographs and gained inspiration from a wide variety of materials and artists. There's a section in our ‘Beryl Cook: Pride and Joy’ exhibition which shows her work alongside some of these and demonstrates just how well-informed and considered her practice was. Discover more here!