Museum On Tour: Plymouth From Destruction to Construction
The Box, Plymouth

When: 09 December 2017 to 22 December 2018
Where: House of Fraser, Fifth Floor, 40-46 Royal Parade, Plymouth PL1 1DY
Time: 9am - 5pm
Cost: Admission free
Suitable for: Any age

9am to 5pm Monday and Wednesday to Saturday
9.30am to 5pm Tuesday
10am to 4pm Sunday

Plymouth suffered greatly during World War II. The docks and naval base made it a major target resulting in the almost total destruction of the city centre and the displacement of tens of thousands of Plymothians.

Amongst this charred and ruined city, a radical new plan was developed to enable its complete redesign and reconstruction. MPs, Councillors and planners sought out the finest architects, designers and artists to create a new city – a modern city – worthy of replacing what had been lost.

The Plymouth we see today epitomises the ambition and vision of this post-war planning.

This exhibition includes fascinating objects, images and footage from the collections of Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, the Plymouth and West Devon Record Office and the South West Film and Television Archive that explore the themes of destruction and reconstruction.

Visitors of all ages can experience the inside of an Anderson Shelter, dress up in a range of replica clothing and learn more about the construction of the House of Fraser itself.

Exhibitions & Projects

  • William Cobbing: Dumb mud, I love you

    William Cobbing: Dumb mud, I love you

    The Burton at Bideford

    11 October 2025 to 15 February 2026

    View details

  • National Trust  A Living Landscape: New Beginnings at Kipscombe

    National Trust A Living Landscape: New Beginnings at Kipscombe

    The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon

    24 January 2026 to 14 March 2026

    View details

  • Hubert Coop and Friends: A Legacy of Art and Influence

    Hubert Coop and Friends: A Legacy of Art and Influence

    The Burton at Bideford

    17 January 2026 to 15 March 2026

    View details

  • The Annual Schools Exhibition

    The Annual Schools Exhibition

    The Burton at Bideford

    30 January 2026 to 15 March 2026

    View details

  • Artists North Devon: A Vibrant Community

    Artists North Devon: A Vibrant Community

    The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon

    07 February 2026 to 28 March 2026

    View details

  • This is me  Call for entries: Documentary Photography Open 2026

    This is me Call for entries: Documentary Photography Open 2026

    The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon

    01 December 2025 to 11 April 2026

    View details

  • Call for entries   Young Digital Documentary Photography Open

    Call for entries Young Digital Documentary Photography Open

    The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon

    01 December 2025 to 11 April 2026

    View details

  • Land of the Pharaohs: Egypt on Screen

    Land of the Pharaohs: Egypt on Screen

    Bill Douglas Centre

    29 January 2026 to 15 May 2026

    View details

  • Beryl Cook: Pride and Joy

    Beryl Cook: Pride and Joy

    The Box, Plymouth

    24 January 2026 to 31 May 2026

    View details

  • Journeys with Mai

    Journeys with Mai

    The Box, Plymouth

    14 February 2026 to 14 June 2026

    View details