A collection of objects that are held in a box

Objects in Boxes:

Explore objects from all four corners of the world, fit into the four corners of a box.

In 700 b.c, Pandora opened the box that devastated humanity by releasing death, sickness and despair upon the world. Only hope remained. Since then, many cultures have endeavored to ‘keep a lid on things’ by containing objects within their original packaging, or by encasing them as a means of control.

This unprecedented exhibition will explore the ritual of boxing objects and the artifacts within them. See the original Pandora’s box, rumoured still to contain Hope, or explore the mystery of Schrödinger's cat, both dead and alive. The objects not quite on display’s categorisation defies boundaries and make a welcome addition to the Wunderkammer.

Open until we say so

#objectsinboxes

Book tickets

Supported by

Simon Moncreith’s Society of Quantum Superposition

“Some of the most objects provoke profound thoughts, others are genuinely upsetting”

— The Regardian

“Much to do if you are a fan of boxes”

— The Daily Punctillio

“Gets you out of the rain”

— The Newspaper

Exhibition Highlights

Chinoiserie lunch box, lacquer and wood, Ohio, USA, 1978.
Eclectic millionaire Hardman Anderson Montgomery commissioned this unique box from master carvers in Yunnan Provence, China, for his adolescent son, who was going through a history phase. Stil — Chinoiserie lunch box, lacquer and wood, Ohio, USA, 1978. Eclectic millionaire Hardman Anderson Montgomery commissioned this unique box from master carvers in Yunnan Provence, China, for his adolescent son, who was going through a history phase. Still contains animal crackers.

Sarcophagus, Basalt, Egypt, 2613 B.C.E.
A stone coffin, most prominently used for display above ground, though earliest examples contained a wooden coffin within. Thought to be haunted, this example has never been opened and never should be. — Sarcophagus, Basalt, Egypt, 2613 B.C.E. A stone coffin, most prominently used for display above ground, though earliest examples contained a wooden coffin within. Thought to be haunted, this example has never been opened and never should be.

Personal fish tank, mahogany frame with gold leaf, glass, red velvet, England, 1870's.
It was the fashion in the late 19th century for young women to carry a small fish tank which held one fish, often a fry or hatchling, as a symbol of wealth and st — Personal fish tank, mahogany frame with gold leaf, glass, red velvet, England, 1870's. It was the fashion in the late 19th century for young women to carry a small fish tank which held one fish, often a fry or hatchling, as a symbol of wealth and status. This tank was owned by Madame de la Soule, heir to the Bavarian fortune.

Contemporary depiction of the opening of Pandora's box.
The story of Pandora unleashing horrors into the world from a locked box has long driven artists to recreate this earth shattering moment in their own style. This contemporary depiction is parti — Contemporary depiction of the opening of Pandora's box. The story of Pandora unleashing horrors into the world from a locked box has long driven artists to recreate this earth shattering moment in their own style. This contemporary depiction is particularly haunting in its simplicity.

Exhibition events

Thinking outside the box

A forensic lecture on the material matter that encases our exhibition objects.
Build your own box

Children’s workshop. Weld your own box using our specialist equipment and steel from our own mines.
Opening Pandora's Box

Every [redacted] and every second [redacted], join us for a curators tour.