This museum is closed temporarily.
The museum's collection, initiated by Doris Langley Moore in 1963, is a comprehensive display of fashionable attire for men, women, and children from the late 16th century to the present day. With over 100,000 objects, the collection offers a broad overview of fashion history.
Since its inception in 1963, the museum has invited an independent fashion expert each year to select a dress for inclusion in the collection. This has resulted in a diverse collection featuring work from renowned designers such as Mary Quant, John Bates, Ossie Clark, Jean Muir, Bill Gibb, Giorgio Armani, John Galliano, Ralph Lauren, Alexander McQueen, Donatella Versace, and Alber Elbaz.
In 2019, the National Trust, the owner of the Assembly Rooms, decided to make space for a new museum about Georgian Bath, leading to the Fashion Museum announcing its departure from the Assembly Rooms in March 2023. The museum has chosen the Old Post Office in Bath as its new location. While preparations are being made for the new site, the collection is temporarily housed and displayed at the headquarters of luxury glovemakers, Dents in Warminster.
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Bennett Street, Bath
Fashion Museum Bath has 1 rating.
The Fashion Museum Bath, located in the historic city of Bath, England, offers visitors a journey through the history of fashion from the 16th century to the present day. The museum houses an extensive collection of historic and contemporary clothing, showcasing the evolution of style and design over the centuries.
Visitors appreciate the well-curated exhibits that display a wide range of garments, from elaborate period costumes to modern designer pieces. The museum's strength lies in its ability to contextualize fashion within broader historical and cultural movements, providing insight into how clothing reflects societal changes over time.
The museum's location in the beautiful Assembly Rooms adds to its charm, with the grand Georgian architecture complementing the exhibits. Many visitors find the audio guide helpful in understanding the significance of the displayed items.
However, some guests note that the museum could benefit from more interactive elements and additional information about textile production and fashion technology. A few visitors also mention that certain areas of the museum can feel cramped during busy periods.
The "A History of Fashion in 100 Objects" exhibit is frequently highlighted as a standout feature, offering a concise yet comprehensive overview of fashion history. The opportunity to try on replica costumes is also popular among visitors, especially families with children.
While the museum generally receives positive feedback, some visitors feel that the ticket price is slightly high for the size of the collection. Additionally, a few reviewers suggest that the museum could benefit from more frequent rotation of exhibits to encourage repeat visits.
Overall, the Fashion Museum Bath provides an informative and visually appealing experience for fashion enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Its strengths in historical context and the quality of its collection make it a worthwhile stop for those interested in the evolution of style and dress.
This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.
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