Fashion Museum, Bath - © Mark Anderson
Fashion Museum is located in the World Heritage City of Bath and contains a number of collections, exhibitions and displays past and present relating to the world of clothing and fashion. The Museum is contained within the famous Assembly Rooms building, visitors can see both the Assembly Rooms and the Museum when visiting seeing two attractions in one place.
Attractions
The Fashion Museum in Bath offers visitors the chance to see a number of collections, displays and exhibitions relating to clothing and fashion from the 17th century up to contemporary modern day designs. The museum collection was originally started by Doris Langley Moore who was an author, collector and costume designer.
In 1963 she gave her collection to the city of Bath the collection was used by Bath City Council to establish the Museum of Costume. Since that time the collection has trebled in size compared to the original collection. In 2007 the Museum of Costume changed its name to the Fashion Museum.
The museum has a policy of displaying changing exhibitions and displays, there are a number of themes covered and there have been various displays that have been on display over the years covering a wide range of designers, fashion houses and fashion people.
There have been exhibitions looking at fashion for specific decades i.e. the 1950s, there have been displays looking at themes such as modern collections and there have been exhibitions looking at accessories to fashion that include shoes, bags and hats among others.
The collections include a number of collections that span from the 18th century to the modern day. For the 18th Century Collection there are clothing collections for both men and women that reflect popular clothing worn at the time. Visitors can see a range of men’s embroidered waistcoats along with a number of gowns.
The 19th Century Collection contains some rich clothing and fabrics there are examples of early 19th century design in the white muslin dresses on display alongside the dresses noted for their colour and design that were more voluminous.
In the 20th Century Collection fashion is well represented here with a range of collections showing the changing designs and outfits from the 20th century reflecting the change in design and culture. There are a number of works from some of the worlds leading designers and fashion houses.
The Dress of the Year scheme has been run by the museum since 1963 when the museum was founded in Bath. A fashion expert is asked to select an outfit or dress from within the museum's collection that most accurately represents new ideas for contemporary fashion. The winning designer’s creations over the years can be seen in the displays.
British Fashion is famous worldwide and over the years a number of British designers have influenced both popular and high fashion. The fashion design from the UK is known for tradition with many iconic designs created over the years. The Museum contains a number of important and significant collections from British designers who have made a significant contribution to fashion and design in the UK. The collections contain some very well known designers who went on to become household names in the industry and others less well known who too have contributed to the UK's reputation as being a centre for clothing and fashion.
How to Get There
The Museum is located within the Assembly Rooms in Bath city centre and can be accessed by both car and public transport:
By Car:
Bath is located approx 115 miles from central London, the approx car journey time is 2 hours and 20 minutes. From London take the A4 then the M4 and drive to junction 18. Exit the M4 at junction 18 on to the A46 to Stroud/Bath. At the junction with the A4 London Road, turn right in to it and drive along until the left turning for Roman Road, turn in to Roman Road and drive until the exit on the right for Landsdown Road, drive down Landsdown Road until the turning on the left for Bennett Street and the Assembly Rooms are located further up the road.
For those using Satellite Navigation systems the postcode is BA1 2QH.
There is pay and display parking available.
By Train:
From London Paddington Station central London trains are available to the main station in the city centre, Bath Spa, the journey time is approx 90 minutes. From Bath Spa station the Assembly Rooms where the museum is located, is within a 10 minutes walk.
By Coach:
National Express offers services from London Victoria Coach Station to Bath, the journey time is approx 3 hours to 3 hours 45 minutes. From Bath Spa visitors can walk to the Assembly Rooms.
Contact Details
Fashion Museum | Bath
Assembly Rooms
Bennett Street
Bath
BA1 2QH
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0)1225 477173
Fax: +44 (0)1225 477743
email: fashion_bookings@bathnes.gov.uk
Website: Fashion Museum
Facilities & Information
Opening Times:
Open from 10.30 until 16.00 (Daily in January & February)
Open from 10.30 until 17.00 (Daily from March until end of October)
Open from 10.30 until 16.00 (Daily from November until end of December)
Note: The last exit is 1 hour after closing time. The average time to see the museum is 1 and a half to 2 hours.
Further Information:
Adults: £7.00 approx, Children: £5.00 approx, Concessions: £6.25 approx & Family Ticket £20.00 approx.
The Audio Guides are included in the admission price offering visitors the chance to take a self guided tour of the museum.
Facilities:
There is a Cafe serving a range of drinks and refreshments along with light snacks and sandwiches.
The shop offers visitors a range of gifts and souvenirs including books, textiles and dresses.
The building is wheelchair assessable.
Map
View Larger Map
For Local Search and Directions see: Fashion Museum Bath Map
Tips & Other Considerations
There may be some variations on the opening hours depending on the time of year and other factors. It is recommended visitors double check before going to ensure the attraction you wish to see is open.
Follow sensible travel tips and remain alert, vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times. Ensure valuables i.e. your wallet/purse are hidden away from public view. If you have a bag try to use a shoulder bag with a good quality, strong strap, that is put across your shoulder not on your shoulder making it more difficult for anyone to take your bag.
If you are travelling by car to Bath, ensure you are well prepared with maps and Sat Nav to aid your journey, particularly if you are not familiar with the local area and roads. Use the route planner for door to door directions for your trip. Check for the latest traffic information before travelling. If you are travelling by public transport, check for service updates prior to beginning your journey for any delays, disruption or cancellations to services that may impact on your journey. Ensure you have the service timetables for the trains, buses and coaches. Remember when the last services are and ensure you make it to the train/bus/coach stops in time.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
