From Destruction to Construction

Exhibition: Plymouth – From Destruction to Construction

May 6th 2017 - December 21st 2018

Times: 10:00 - 16:00

War damage on Tavistock Road, PlymouthCouncil House, Armada Way, Plymouth PL1 2AA
(this is the building to the left of the Civic Centre,
opposite the Crown Court)

Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm
Closed Sundays and bank holiday Monday (29 May)
Closed Monday 8 May and Friday 19 May due to civic functions

ADMISSION FREE

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.Civic Centre during construction

The city 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 marvel at the stunning 1950s interior of the Council House itself.