Exhibitions

Myths and Memories: Renaissance Maps

Open 15 February to 22 June 2025

The American Museum & Gardens presents one of the finest collections of Renaissance maps in the world in a new special exhibition for 2025. Opening on 15 February, Myths and Memories: Renaissance Maps brings one of Bath’s most celebrated museum collections back into the spotlight, for a must-see show this spring.

Myths and Memories: Renaissance Maps is the first major display of the American Museum’s world-renowned map collection in over a decade, reframing the way the maps have historically been shown. On display is the incredible power, beauty and history of Renaissance maps, with a fascinating new exploration of the myths and memories that created them.

This exhibition will launch the Museum’s exciting Year of Exploration, which will feature special exhibitions and events, including a pop-up planetarium, stargazing, a thrilling space exhibition, and seasonal family trails such as the Map Explorers garden trail for February half term.

Exhibition highlights:

• A rare collection of Renaissance maps, which is a world-renowned museum collection in Bath.
• With maps presented as works of art, spotlighting their incredible artistry, design and range of forms.
• A collection reframed by a new curation that invites a range of perspectives, including inspiration from contemporary Indigenous views on the remapping of native land.
• Featuring maps that are near impossible to see in public – of the few examples that exist, most are in private collections or libraries where they are rarely displayed.