The City Museum and Art Gallery sits on Drake Circus, at the top of the main shopping drag, in an Edwardian building that predates the postwar reconstruction. The museum covers Plymouth's history across its twin vocations — naval port and departure point — from the Tudor privateers through the age of empire to the Blitz and beyond.
The art collection is more substantial than many visitors expect: it includes paintings by Joshua Reynolds, who was born in Plympton just outside the city and is Plymouth's most famous artistic son. There's also good natural history coverage (Plymouth Sound and Dartmoor) and a selection of decorative arts including Plymouth porcelain. Entry is free, which makes it a natural rainy-day option.