Fashion Museum, Bath

The Fashion Museum, Bath

Please Note: In October 2022 the Fashion Museum Bath moved from its longtime home in the historic Assembly Rooms to a new location in the Old Post Office on New Bond Street. It will take an estimated 3-8 years to complete the transition before the museum can reopen. Please DO NOT make plans to visit the museum in person. We will update this page when the situation changes.

A fascinating museum of costume through the ages, from the 16th century through the present day. If it has anything to do with the history of fashion, you will find it here!

The Fashion Museum was founded by Doris Langley Moore, who donated her personal collection to the City of Bath in 1963. Originally known as the Museum of Costume, the Fashion Museum became the Fashion Museum in 2007 and is now three times its original size.

Major collections include:

• 18th-century Fashion
• 19th-century Fashion
• 20th-century Fashion
• Contemporary Fashion
• Accessories
• Corsets

The oldest objects are embroidered shirts and gloves dating to around 1600, but the collection also boasts items as up to date as a trouser ensemble made for Kate Moss in 2008. You can see displays of men's and women's clothing, including dresses, coats, jackets, knitwear, pockets, fans, and waistcoats, to name but a few.

There are special displays on Fashionable women, British fashion, and a 'Dress of the Year' exhibition. There is also an extensive array of photographs covering fashion over the years.

Editors Note: We have been to the Fashion Museum several times, both with and without children in tow. It truly is fascinating. On the last visit, we had trouble tearing our 8-year-old daughter away, she was so taken with the exhibits. This from a child who dislikes being dragged to museums!