Bill Douglas Centre - History of Cinema

Bill Douglas Centre at the University of Exeter offers families in Devon and the South West a fascinating journey through the history of cinema and the moving image. This unique museum welcomes older children and teenagers with an onsite cafe, toilet facilities with baby changing, and wheelchair accessible exhibits. Located on the Exeter university campus, the Bill Douglas Centre houses an extraordinary collection of pre-cinema artifacts, film memorabilia, and cinema history spanning centuries.

Curious minds discover how moving pictures developed from optical toys to modern film. For families seeking museums in Exeter or cultural attractions in Devon with older children, this centre delivers niche expertise in an engaging format. The combination of rare artifacts, interactive displays, and free admission makes this South West museum a hidden gem for families with children interested in film, animation, and visual storytelling.