Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery

Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery
Drake Circus
Plymouth
Devon
PL4 8AJ
England

logo: Designated as an Outstanding Collection

Website

Main Website

www.plymouthmuseum.gov.uk

The Cottonian Collection

www.cottoniancollection.org.uk

E-mail

museum@plymouth.gov.uk

Telephone

01752 304774

Fax

01752 304775

All information is drawn or provided by the venues themselves and every effort is made to ensure it is correct. Please remember to double check opening hours with the venue concerned before making a special visit.
venue representative image
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Calling all culture vultures, heritage hunters, curious kids, cash-strapped carers, searching students, restless retirees and anybody with even a passing interest in who we are and what we do.

Venue Type:

Museum

Opening hours

Tuesdays - Fridays 10.00-17.30
Saturdays & Bank Holiday Mondays 10.00-17.00

Closed: Sundays and Mondays

Admission charges

FREE ADMISSION

The Cottonian collection at Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery is a Designated Collection of national importance.

The Designated Cottonian Collection was bequeathed to the city of Plymouth by William Cotton (1794 -1863) from whom it takes its name, but the collection was largely assembled during the 18th century by Charles Rogers (1711 - 1784). His connoisseurship, combined with an extensive network of contacts in the art world, resulted in a collection of some 20,000 prints, drawings and paintings, regarded by his contemporaries as one of the finest in England. A 30-day sale in 1799 reduced the collection by two thirds but, nevertheless, the collection inherited by Plymouth is of outstanding quality and provides rare insights into the history of printmaking.

The Cottonian Collection gallery features paintings by Reynolds, Kaufmann, Ruysdael, Laroon etc; works on paper by Altdorfer, Watteau, Guercino etc; furniture, figurines and prints.

Permanent galleries showcase items from World Cultures, Ancient Egypt, archaeology, maritime and local history, Natural History and Fine and Decorative Art collections.

Collection details

World Cultures, Social History, Photography, Personalities, Natural Sciences, Maritime, Land Transport, Fine Art, Decorative and Applied Art, Coins and Medals, Archaeology

Key artists and exhibits

  • Joshua Reynolds - various
  • A Kaufmann - Beauty Yielded Unto Love...
  • E Burne-Jones - Venus Concordia
  • Stanhope Forbes - The Fish Sale
  • Patrick Heron - Rectilinear Reds & Blues
  • Prunella Clough - Waiting
  • Beryl Cook - Lockyer St Tavern
  • J W Waterhouse - The Hamadryad
  • J M W Turner - Kilchurn Castle
  • J M W Turner - Plymouth from Mount Edgcumbe
  • A Landini - Indecision
  • H S Tuke - Taking a Spell
  • J Olsson - The Sound...
  • Newlyn Paintings
  • Camden Town
  • Maritime Paintings
  • Exhibits may not always be out on permanent display. Please contact the Museum to check before paying us a visit if there is something you specifically wish to see.
  • Designated Collection
Exhibition details are listed below, you may need to scroll down to see them all.

Stories from the Stores

8 June — 24 August 2013

See a real store in the gallery as it undertakes the largest review of its social history collections ever carried out

Suitable for

  • Any age

The Making of a Modern City

27 April — 29 June 2013 *on now

Delving into the archive collections for this exhibition to reveal previously unseen documents, plans and images that record the people, politics and places that shaped the city we know today

Suitable for

  • Family friendly

Ancient Egypt

5 March 2013 — 5 March 2014 *on now

Learn about Life and Death in a civilisation that lasted for more than 3,000 years

Suitable for

  • Any age

Bringing the World to Plymouth

5 March 2013 — 5 March 2014 *on now

View a fascinating range of objects from living cultures in Asia, Africa and Oceania

Suitable for

  • Any age

Explore Nature

5 March 2013 — 5 March 2014 *on now

Packed full of specimens from the natural history collections

Suitable for

  • Any age

Plymouth: Port and Place

5 March 2013 — 5 March 2014 *on now

Discover how the sea, military and centuries of conflict have shaped Plymouth

Suitable for

  • Any age

The China Connection

5 March 2013 — 5 March 2014 *on now

Discover the story of porcelain from its origins in China to the groundbreaking work of Plymouth man, William Cookworthy in the UK and see examples from the Far East, Europe and UK

Suitable for

  • Any age

Uncovered

5 March 2013 — 5 March 2014 *on now

Look at how archaeology can open a window on the past in order to help us understand our present

Suitable for

  • Any age

Atrium Gallery

5 March 2013 — 25 March 2014 *on now

A range of items from the large and significant decorative art collection, which includes examples of Plymouth and Bristol Porcelain

Suitable for

  • Any age
Events details are listed below. You may need to scroll down or click on headers to see them all. For events that don't have a specific date see the 'Resources' tab above.
A photographic image of a mbira instrument

Adventures in Music: Mbira Magic with Chartwell Dutiro

31 May 2013

Join Chartwell Dutiro for an interactive live music event where you will find out more about the amazing mbira and hear songs of the Shona people of Zimbabwe. This ancient traditional instrument from South East Africa is made of hand forged iron keys that are mounted on a piece of hard wood and often decorated with shells, bottle tops and other materials. Sing-along and discover the sounds you can create on an instrument that was originally used in night time ceremonies to connect with and honour the spirits!

Tickets are £4.50 per adult, and £3 for each child. Online ticket sales are now available on the We Got Tickets website. Tickets are also available to purchase from the Museum Welcome Desk by cash or a cheque made payable to ‘Plymouth City Council’. Our workshops often get booked up very quickly so please don’t delay if you want to make sure you’ve got a place! We regret that we’re unable to accept cheques for less than £10 or any card payments. All children must be accompanied by a responsible, paying adult. Please note that tickets are non-refundable.

Chartwell Dutiro is a singer, composer and instrumentalist who is regarded as a World-Class Maestro Mbira player. Now based in Devon, he draws on his experiences of growing up in his rural, segregated Zimbabwe to make links between his native country and life in Britain today.

This event is part of the Adventures in Music series, which is supported by PRS for Music Foundation’s New Music Plus…UK.

With many thanks to Deep Blue Sound Music for technical support and equipment.

Suitable for

  • 0-4
  • 5-6

When

11-11:45am

Admission

£4.50 per adult and £3 per child

Website

http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/museummusic

Bee and flower

Wild About Plymouth: Plymouth's Buzzing

8 June 2013

Hunt in the grass, explore the plants and discover the huge number of insects which to move pollen from one plant to another. Experts will be on hand to identify your finds, There are large car parks next to the Life Centre and on-street parking around the edge of Central Park in the Peverell area. Meet us in Central Park at the pedestrian roundabout with the clock, behind the Mayflower and Life Centres.

Suitable for

  • Especially for children
  • 7-10
  • 5-6
  • 11-13
  • 0-4

When

11am-2pm

Make and Take: Daddy Cool

15 June 2013

Saturday 15 June 2013, 11am to 12 noon and 1.30pm to 2.30pm, Father&rsquo
s Day takes place on 16 June this year. Come in and make little handmade gifts to surprise your dad with on his special day., Admission is free but please book your places in advance on 01752 304774.,

Suitable for

  • Especially for children

When

11am-2:30pm

Admission

No

A photographic image of clarinettist, Arun Ghosh

Adventures in Music: Indian Inspiration with Arun Ghosh

28 June 2013

Enjoy an interactive concert led by British-Asian clarinettist Arun Ghosh, joined by Nilesh Gulhane on tabla, a type of Indian drum. This one-off performance makes connections between West Country folk music, Indian music and jazz, and will even feature a new piece of music composed especially for the event.

Expect meditative peaceful songs through to exciting rushing free-wheeling improvisations, plus well known sing-along classics and some unexpected covers. As with all events in the series, there will be audience participation including singing, clapping, and even the chance to join in with a group improvisation. The event will be a great introduction to Indian Raags (melodies) and Taals (rhythms). Bring along your own small toy instruments or use those provided to join in with the group improvisation.

Tickets are £4.50 per adult, and £3 for each child. Tickets are available online from the We Got Tickets website. They are also available to purchase from the Museum Welcome Desk by cash or a cheque made payable to ‘Plymouth City Council’. Our workshops often get booked up very quickly so please don’t delay if you want to make sure you’ve got a place! We regret that we’re unable to accept cheques for less than £10 or any card payments. All children must be accompanied by a responsible, paying adult. Please note that tickets are non-refundable

This event is part of the Adventures in Music series, which is supported by PRS for Music Foundation’s New Music Plus…UK.

Arun Ghosh is a British-Asian clarinettist, composer and music educator. Conceived in Calcutta, bred in Bolton, matured in Manchester and living in London, Ghosh's music reflects his rich geographical heritage. Inspired by Indian folk music, jazz, hip-hop and rock n roll, Ghosh's passionate musical performances and compositions have led him to be viewed as a leading light of the British jazz scene.

Suitable for

  • 5-6
  • 0-4

When

11-11:45am

Admission

£4.50 per adult / £3 per child

Website

http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/museummusic

Stag beetle

Wild About Plymouth: Bug Hunt

30 June 2013

Join us as we hunt for beetles, spiders and other little creatures in the undergrowth with experts on hand to help identify any mini-beasts you find. 10:00am to 12:00pm, This is an annual event with a twist! We will be recording all the bug finds we make for the Cemetery to discover the diversity of insects there. Please wear appropriate clothing for the weather, and remember sunscreen if it's sunny! On-street parking is available around the Cemetery. Meet us in front of the Old Chapel at the Cemetery.

Suitable for

  • Especially for children
  • 7-10
  • 0-4
  • 11-13
  • 5-6

When

10am-12pm

Wild About Plymouth: Seashore Safari Special

7 July 2013

Sunday 7 July 2013, 12pm to 3pm, Explore the local coastline for marine creatures with us and the Blue Sound Project. For confident swimmers and over 8s who want to, there's also an opportunity to get a rare glimpse beneath the waves with a snorkel session led by trained professionals (booking and payment essential). Please bring a swimming suit, towel and warm clothes with you if you are snorkelling., There is a public pay and display car park just a short walk from the beach (PL10 1PA). It's a £4 charge for 4 hours. Alternatively, you could catch the 2.30pm ferry to Cawsand from the Barbican (01752 253153). Meet us on Cawsand Beach., Admission to the main event is free. The charge for the snorkelling is just £4 per adult and £3 per child (over 8s only). There is no need to book in advance for the main event. Advance booking is essential if you wish to take part in the snorkelling session. Please complete and return a booking form with your payment by 1 July 2013. A booking form is contained in the downloadable leaflet on the Wild About Plymouth page. You can also pick up a leaflet from Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery.,

Suitable for

  • Family friendly

When

12-3pm

Admission

No

Seashells

Wild About Plymouth: Batten Beach Art

4 August 2013

Your team of beach art artists can create your own, unique 'sculpture' that will be photographed and displayed on the Museum's Flickr photo stream. On-street parking and a series of small car parks are available all around the Mount Batten area. Meet us at the bottom of the beach steps.

Suitable for

  • Family friendly
  • Any age

When

10am-12pm

Resources listed here may include websites, bookable tours and workshops, books, loan boxes and more. You may need to scroll down or click on headers to see them all.
Face to face resources

The Imaginators

http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/homepage/creativityandculture/museums/museumpcmag/museumevents/museumimaginators.htm

The Imaginators are a group of toddlers aged from around 18 months old and upwards, pre-school children, mums, dads, grandparents and carers who meet up on selected Wednesdays throughout the year to explore the Museum and have fun! With a focus on play, exploration and learning, every week is different as we journey around our galleries, objects and paintings.
The children learn to build relationships and try their hand at activities such as painting, singing and making, all the time using their developing skills and their imaginations.
Younger siblings/older babies are welcome too. Sessions run from 10.30-11.30 and are led by one of our Arts Education Officers.

How to obtain

Advance booking is essential so call Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery on 01752 304665 to reserve your place(s).

Wild About Plymouth

http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/homepage/creativityandculture/museums/museumpcmag/museumevents/museumwildaboutplymouth.htm#top

Wild About Plymouth is a family-friendly natural history group that is open to anyone in the Plymouth area. It is led by enthusiastic experts from Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, Plymouth City Council’s Nature Conservation Team and the University of Plymouth, plus other selected partners. We have a range of events on offer between now and summer 2009. See the website for a full calendar of Wild About Plymouth events.

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