Fashion Museum Bath

Overview

The Fashion Museum Bath holds one of the world's great collections of historical and contemporary dress, spanning from the 17th century to the present day. The collection contains over 100,000 objects and hosts the annual Dress of the Year display selected by a leading fashion expert.

Highlights

• Dress of the Year: An annual selection by a leading fashion journalist, showcasing cutting-edge design alongside historical pieces.
• Corsetry collection: One of the most comprehensive assemblages of historical corsetry and underwear.
• Georgian dress: Authentic 18th-century garments that bring Bath's fashionable past to life.

History

The collection was founded by Doris Langley Moore, who donated her private dress collection to the city in 1963. Originally housed in the Assembly Rooms, the museum has grown to become one of the most important fashion collections in the world, with pieces dating from the 1600s to modern haute couture.

Visitor Tips

• Temporary home: The museum relocated while the Assembly Rooms undergo renovation — check the current address.
• Handling sessions: Occasional events allow visitors to examine historical garments up close.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.