Fashion Museum Bath is a collection of historic and contemporary clothing, footwear and accessories charting more than 400 years of dress. It was formerly housed in the Assembly Rooms and is moving to the Old Post Office on New Bond Street. The museum is currently closed during the move, so you cannot visit the displays or try on period clothing at present. When it reopens, its appeal will be the chance to trace changing styles through garments and an audio guide, with hands-on dress-up activities among the past highlights.
The museum’s move
Fashion Museum Bath was formerly based on the lower ground floor of the Assembly Rooms, a Georgian building associated with dances and social gatherings. The museum is moving to the Old Post Office at 26 New Bond Street. It is currently closed during the move, so check the museum website for updates before travelling or making plans around a visit.
The collection remains the reason to keep it on your Bath list if historic dress interests you. The move means that past descriptions of the Assembly Rooms displays and facilities do not confirm what will be available at the new address.
A collection across the centuries
The museum’s holdings span more than 400 years of fashion, from historic clothing to contemporary designs. Garments and accessories have included dresses, coats, gloves, shoes and underwear. The displays have traced changes in clothing and footwear, giving visitors a way to look at fashion through the items people wore.
The collection was begun by Doris Langley Moore, who gave her collection to the city in 1963. It has included work by designers such as Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren and Mary Quant. A display called A History of Fashion in 100 Objects has brought together pieces from different periods, including 18th-century clothing and modern design.
What past visits included
At the former museum, visitors could use a free audio guide to hear information about selected items. The exhibits were arranged by period, with numbered objects and details to read. Some displays also included cultural and design context. Past visitors could contribute a written note about what fashion meant to them or draw a dress, though working pens were not always available.
A dress-up area allowed children and adults to try on period-inspired clothing. Choices for men were more limited than those for women. The Assembly Rooms were also part of the former visit, and their ballrooms could be seen alongside the museum. These details describe the previous location and experience, not confirmed facilities at the Old Post Office.
FAQ
Is Fashion Museum Bath open?
It is currently closed while moving from the Assembly Rooms to the Old Post Office. Check the museum website for reopening updates.
Where is Fashion Museum Bath moving?
The new address is the Old Post Office, 26 New Bond Street, Bath.
What can you see at Fashion Museum Bath?
Its collection spans more than 400 years of clothing and fashion, including historic and contemporary garments, footwear and accessories.
Can you try on period clothing at the museum?
A dress-up area was part of the former museum experience. Facilities at the new location have not been confirmed in the provided information.
