The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum

University of Exeter, The Old Library, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter, DEVON, EX4 4SB

Tel: 01392 724321

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 31 reviews31 reviews
Gallery 4

About

A museum dedicated to the audience's experience of the moving image.  Explore the visual culture from magic lanterns to Marilyn Monroe.

The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum is an ACE Accredited public museum dedicated to our experience of the moving image. Visitors can explore popular visual culture through exhibits of toys, artefacts, images and memorabilia from the seventeenth century to the present day.

It is home to one of the largest collections of material relating to the moving image in Britain. We are both an accredited public museum and an academic research facility and we hold a collection of over 75,000 items. Over 1,000 of our items are on display, and everyone is welcome to visit our galleries seven days a week (except bank holidays and between Christmas and New Year) and our research facilities are open to all each weekday.

Leading film critic Mark Kermode visited the museum in Summer 2017 and made this film about us for his 'KermodeUncut' video blog.

The internationally renowned collection ranges from shadow puppets to the golden age of Hollywood, from magic lanterns to Mickey Mouse, and from the first cameras to make films to merchandise from the latest blockbusters.

There is something for everyone to enjoy and we welcome individuals, families and groups.

The Centre is currently open Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm. Please see details of the re-opening here: https://www.bdcmuseum.org.uk/news/reopening-after-lockdown/

 

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
FreeFree

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars
    • Excellent
      20
    • Very Good
      9
    • Average
      1
    • Poor
      0
    • Terrible
      1

    Recent Reviews:

      Directions

      Road Directions

      From the A30 / A38 follow the signs from the city centre, once in the city centre then follow signs for the University. The Old Library is situated half way along Prince of Wales Road, adjacent to the University Chapel.

      Public Transport Directions

      Stagecoach Bus 'D' from Exeter city centre. 10 minutes walk from Exeter St David's train station - follow signs for the University.

      Facilities

      Other

      • Accept Children over 7

      Accessibility

      • All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors
      • Guide Dogs Permitted
      • Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
      • Ramp/Level Access
      • Toilets for Disabled Visitors

      Children & Infants

      • Accept Children Over 3

      Establishment Features

      • Toilets

      Event Facilities

      • Free Entry

      Key Features

      • Approx length of visit - 60 minutes.
      • Indoor Attraction
      • Max group size - 30
      • No Smoking Attraction

      Parking & Transport

      • Parking (charge)

      Tours and Demonstrations

      • Educational Visits Accepted
      • Guided Tours Available for Groups
      • Guided Tours Available for Individuals

      Venue Facilities

      • Groups Accepted - Essential to prebook.

      Opening Times

      Bill Douglas Centre for the History of Cinema and Popular Culture (1 Jan 2024 - 22 Dec 2024)
      DayTimes
      Monday - Friday10:00 - 17:00*
      Saturday - SundayClosed*

      * Closed Christmas, New Year and Bank Holidays. Re-opening 4th January 2021!

      Dates and times marked with a '*' are provisional and may be subject to change

      Follow us

      What's Nearby

      1. Enjoy a classical concert at The Great Hall

        Enjoy a classical concert by renowned musicians in this acoustically stunning setting.

        0.08 miles away
      2. Be surprised by a visit to the University of Exeter Sculpture Walk and campus grounds

        Ever wondered where can you see a Snow Leopard or Peacock in Exeter? The impressive…

        0.08 miles away
      3. University of Exeter Great Hall

        Found within the Devonshire Complex on the campus, the Great Hall is a great venue for…

        0.09 miles away
      1. Exeter University Gardens

        The Exeter University gardens have the reputation of being one of the most beautiful in…

        0.16 miles away
      2. Exeter Sculpture Walk

        There are numerous sculptures situated in this unique setting both in the open and in…

        0.16 miles away
      3. Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra

        Did you know one of the UK’s top professional orchestras is based here in the South West?…

        0.17 miles away
      4. University of Exeter Garden Tours

        The University of Exeter’s Streatham campus is set within 300 acres of botanical gardens.…

        0.24 miles away
      5. Bury Meadow

        Situated between the Unviersity of Exeter's Streatham campus and the city centre, Bury…

        0.38 miles away
      6. The Exeter Brewery

        Brewery tours are available for pre-booked groups of 15 - 50 people, or visit…

        0.43 miles away
      7. Rougemont Gardens

        Grade II listed in the National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens, Rougemont Gardens…

        0.54 miles away
      8. Northernhay Gardens

        The site of Northernhay Gardens was quarried in Roman times for stone from which to build…

        0.55 miles away
      9. Exeter City FC

        St James Park, home of Exeter City Football Club who play in the EFL League One, the…

        0.56 miles away
      10. Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery - RAMM

        Exeter’s world-class museum has stunning displays and galleries, fabulous exhibitions and…

        0.57 miles away
      11. The Medieval Trail

        Discover Exeter's medieval past, find out about many of Exeter's surviving gems and the…

        0.62 miles away
      12. The City Wall Trail

        A superb self-guided tour. Pick up a free leaflet from Exeter Visitor Information &…

        0.62 miles away
      13. Explore 16 galleries at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM)

        Victorian on the outside but a cornucopia of every era inside, a visit to this multi…

        0.62 miles away
      Previous Next

      Search for What's Nearby

      Product Type
      Proximity
      Within miles
      Hello.
      We'd love to hear what you think about the Exeter!
      Complete our short survey below to enter our free draw, and be in with the chance of winning a luxury dinner, bed & breakfast stay at the new voco Zeal Exeter Science Park.