Viewpoint: A place for everyone

How many times have you found yourself longing for a new experience on a well-deserved day off or, with times as tight as they currently are, looking for something that you, your family and friends can enjoy without breaking the bank? And have you always thought you aren’t a ‘museum or arty person’? Well think again, because here in Plymouth we’re lucky enough to have a museum, art gallery and archive that is so much more than that – and which is open free of charge, six days a week throughout the year.

The Box opened in September 2020 following a huge amount of investment and support from the City Council as well as the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England and a number of other funds and trusts. I can’t help but feel proud every time I step through its doors.

The venue has successfully navigated its way through the Covid-19 pandemic and is already on its way towards welcoming 600,000 visitors. As well as galleries that highlight the amazing collections the city cares for, its exhibition programme is really ambitious.

One of the stand-out exhibitions this summer is Reframing Reynolds: A Celebration. It celebrates 300 years since the birth of Sir Joshua Reynolds and also re-evaluates his work against the many changes that were taking place in society during the 1700s. It’s a beautiful show, with many large paintings in stunning gold frames, some of which have come on loan from venues across the country.

Reynolds was a local lad made good. He was the son of a Plympton schoolmaster who went on to become the founding president of famous London arts institute, the Royal Academy – and quite simply one of the greatest painters this country has ever had. He worked tirelessly during his lifetime to raise the profile of the arts and artists. He was so famous by the time he died that his funeral was held in St Paul’s Cathedral.

Despite living and working in London for many years and mixing with many ‘celebrities’ of his era, he remained firm friends with many of the South West families who helped him establish his career – and best of all, he never completely lost his Janner accent. Geddon!

But there’s so much more to The Box than its galleries and exhibitions. With a great restaurant and café, it’s a social space where you can meet people and enjoy a bite to eat or a drink. Its onsite and online shops offer plenty of inspiration for gifts and souvenirs. If you’re a fan of programmes like ‘Who Do You Think You Are’ and ‘DNA Journey’, its research facilities could help you discover more about your own ancestors.

The Box’s wide-ranging events programme offers everything from live music to family activities, talks, behind the scenes tours, silent discos and life drawing classes. In December you can even come in and have breakfast with Father Christmas. I had a brilliant afternoon there recently at a new market-style event in Tavistock Place called The Bazaar, sampling food and drink from around the world and trying my hand at some African drumming!

There aren’t many cities that can boast about having a venue like The Box and I really believe it’s a place that offers something for everyone. Next time you’re planning a day or a few hours out – make sure you add it to your schedule. Like its name suggests, once you see what’s inside, you might be surprised!