Museum of Design in Plastics
Accredited museum at Arts University Bournemouth with a Designated collection of plastics objects from the 19th to the 21st century; free entry.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Museum of Design in Plastics was founded in 1988 as the Design Collection at what is now Arts University Bournemouth. It became a registered museum in 2001, when the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council recognised it, and was renamed the Museum of Design in Plastics on 1 September 2007 to reflect its focus on plastics.
In September 2008 it became the only fully accredited museum in the UK devoted to plastics. In 2022 Arts Council England awarded the collection Designated status as being of national and international importance, and the museum is supported by Research England.
The collection includes objects from the 19th to the 21st century that show the part plastics have played in social and historical contexts, and it includes the Horners and Plastics Historical Society collections. The museum aims to use the collection to develop understanding of the value of plastics in historical, contemporary and sustainable settings. It is on the first floor of the university library, and individuals and groups are welcome to visit.
Highlights
- Only accredited UK museum focused on plastics
- Designated collection of national and international importance
- Objects from the 19th to the 21st century
- Free entry on the first floor of the university library
- Group visits and learning sessions
- Founded
- 1988
- Operated by
- Arts University Bournemouth
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Free to visit.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum is on the first floor of the library and is reached by lift. Designated disability parking spaces are on site, and visitors who need extra support are asked to email the team in advance.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bournemouth railway station is about 1.5 miles from the campus. Morebus services 17, 6 and 36 run from Bournemouth Travel Interchange (next to the railway station) to the campus in 10 to 15 minutes, and the Unibus U1 serves the campus from Holdenhurst Road.
By car
Parking available
Campus parking is otherwise limited to permit holders, but visitors to the museum can park without pre-booking. Blue Badge holders may use the campus car park.
- Accessible parking
The campus is at Wallisdown, Poole, BH12 5HH; the what3words reference for the entrance is ///claims.fetch.driver.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The Gallery Café, the Arts Bar and the AUB Refectory on the campus provide refreshments.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | Individual and group visits are welcome. Phone or email the team in advance to arrange a visit or a group session. TheGallery, which shows contemporary art and design, is on the same campus. |
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