A £46 million cultural centre is set to open to tomorrow (September 29) in the South of England.
Lead by Plymouth City Council, The Box aims to combine the world’s rich heritage with contemporary art – with a collection of two million artefacts, six spectacular national collections and even a life-size mammoth.
A journey through turbulent history
Amongst the collections will be the Mayflower 400 commemorations, which marks 400 years since Christopher Columbus’ famous trip to the US in 1620. The extraordinary exhibition uses objects, ideas, and images to showcase how the Mayflower ship connected more than 30 million people on both sides of the Atlantic. As well as examining the challenges, communities and conflicts the landmark journey caused as England attempted to colonise the US.
Other insightful exhibitions will include Waptum: Stories from the shells of Native America and Kenhinde Wiley: Ship of Fools.
Curators behind the project promise to regularly change the exhibitions to keep the destination fresh for visitors.
Space for performing arts
As well as a café, shop and bar, the new cultural hub will also boast a spacious public square which will be used for talks, theatre groups, gigs, and events.
Space for The Box has been created by combining the original City Museum and Art Gallery with the former City Library and Saint Luke’s Church which has seen an incredible transformation of some of Plymouth’s oldest buildings.
A statement by The Box reads: “Plymouth has a fascinating past and a dynamic present. The blend and richness of our collections tell the stories of international and local significance through immersive experiences and amazing objects. They also give contemporary artists the opportunity to create new work that responds to The Box’s vast collection.”
Due to social distancing measures put in place amid COVID-19, The Box has staggered entry times every 30 minutes. Admission is free, with visitors needing to book their chosen timeslot online.
Elsewhere, a new sweet museum is coming to Madrid.
