RAMM’s wonderful Victorian building on Queen Street is closed until 2011 for a multimillion pound programme of modernisation and transformation. During the closure RAMM’s lively programme of exhibitions and activities will be out and about at venues in the city and the county. For further details visit RAMM's website.

Open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm (closed bank holidays), free

Guildhall, High Street, Exeter EX1 1JN

Ten objects from RAMM's collection that have a compelling global story to tell.

This year Neil MacGregor, Director of the British Museum, is presenting a series on BBC Radio 4 based on 100 objects from the British Museum's collections and how they tell us a history of the world. This exhibition takes a Devon perspective looking at 10 objects from RAMM's fine collections that each have a compelling global story to tell.

Telling a history through the items that humans have made is one of the most important things that museums do. Of course it can only be ‘a' not ‘the' history. Thanks to constant research and to new scientific techniques, what we know about museum objects is increasing and the stories they can tell continue to grow.

For more information about A History of the World in 100 objects visit www.bbc.co.uk/ahistoryoftheworld. See the local perspective and hear BBC Radio Devon podcasts about local objects via the Your Area button on the website.

Associated events

Call the Royal Albert Memorial Museum at 01392 665858 or visit www.exeter.gov.uk/RAMM for further details.

Family activities at St Nicholas Priory (admission charge applies)

Friday 30 July. Puzzle Jugs. Thursday 5 August. A History of the world. Friday 6 August. The Object of the Story.

Free family activities at Exeter Cathedral Chapter House

Thurs 19 August. Clay Tiles.

3 July to 29 September, open daily 10am to 5pm, free

Dartmoor National Park Authority's High Moorland Visitor Centre Tavistock Road, Princetown, Yelverton, Devon PL20 6QF

Life, death and landscape on Dartmoor during the Bronze Age.

People have been visiting and living on Dartmoor for thousands of years. This special summer exhibition traces the progression from stone to bronze tools and how this change affected life and land from 2,300 to 700 BC.

Going for Bronze is a partnership exhibition with Dartmoor National Park Authority. For more information, contact www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk.

Associated free family activities

Wednesday 28 July. Bronze Age Dartmoor 1: Life and Landscapes - 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30 to 3.30pm, at the Chapter House, Exeter Cathedral EX1 1HS

Wednesday 11 August. Bronze Age Dartmoor 2: On Dartmoor - a free family activity, 10.30am to 4pm, Chagford Jubilee Hall, Cross Tree, Chagford TQ13 8AH

Venue: Cavern House, Kents Cavern, 89/91 Ilsham Road, Torquay, Devon TQ1 2JF
Open 9am to 5pm, free

Stones transformed into a thousand tools

This is a rare opportunity to explore the geology and material science of stone tools rather than their often discussed historical or cultural importance. Find out whether people used local rocks or traded stone over long distances. See how the physical properties of the stone influence the final shape, type and quality of the tool. Discover the latest dating methods and how scientists can determine the source of the stone. Examine and handle stone tools and learn how to identify them.

Kents Cavern is a prehistoric cave and award winning visitor attraction. The site was used by Britain's earliest ancient humans thousands of years ago and today the cave is the only underground visitor centre in the UNESCO Global Geopark, a protected national monument and an internationally renowned prehistoric show cave.

Call 01392 665858 or visit www.kents cavern.co.uk/events.cfm for further details.

With a wide range of objects from RAMMs collections this exhibition shows the variety of raw materials used to produce handaxes, spear heads and scrapers. It reveals sources of suitable stone in south west England and takes a look at some of the main sources from around the world.

Killerton, Broadclyst, Exeter, Devon EX5 3LE, 11am to 5pm (last entry 4.40pm)

Entry to the exhibition is included in the admission price to the house. Free to National Trust members.

This selection of some of the most elegant fashions for men and women shows how people have dressed to impress for all occasions from the 1770s to the 1970s. The exhibition explores ideas about clothing etiquette and aims to demonstrate how changing tastes have affected what we regard as elegant. Luxurious accessories and children's clothes are also displayed. With replica costumes to try on.

This new exhibition from the fashion collection at Killerton House is supported by fashion plates, photographs and magazines from RAMM's costume collection.

Killerton House and gardens  Killerton is a fine 18th century house and glorious landscape garden surrounded by parkland.

Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01392 881345 for further details.

Rougemont and Northernhay Gardens Exeter EX4 3SA, free

Fantastic paintings to brighten up your day. During spring and summer this year Exeter's Rougemont and Northernhay Gardens are full of artistic surprises. Set free among the flower beds, shrubs and trees, you'll find reproductions of fabulous paintings from RAMM's Fine Art Collection. Artists featured include Francis Towne, William Powell Frith, George Philip Reinagle and Lucien Pissarro.

Open 7.30am till dusk.

You can also see these paintings on line at www.exeter.gov.uk/RAMM

A Gallery in the Gardens is a partnership project with Exeter City Council's Parks and Open Spaces.

Topsham Museum, 25 Strand, Topsham, Exeter EX3 0AX , free

Veitch & Sons: Exeter's plant hunting adventures. This fascinating display charts the adventures of the intrepid Veitch nursery plant hunters, who travelled all over the world in the 19th and 20th centuries collecting new species of plants.

During their travels, the plant hunters brought back objects as souvenirs. The Veitch family donated many of these items to RAMM in the 1880s and they are now part of the RAMM's collection.

Topsham museum also holds a collection of Veitch plants in its Riverside Garden.

Open: April to October: Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 2 to 5pm

For further details call 01392 873244, email museum@topsham.org or visit www.devonmuseums.net/topsham

Events at Topsham Museum

Wed 30 June, 11.30am, free

Talk: Collecting Artefacts from the Four Corners of the World. Tony Eccles, RAMM's Curator of Ethnography, will talk about how the Veitch family came into contact with other cultures during their plant hunting expeditions and the significance of some of the souvenirs they collected. Numbers are limited, seats will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

RAMM family activity day: Your Place

Wednesday 4 August, noon to 4pm, free

St Thomas Pleasure Ground, Cowick Street, Exeter EX4 1HS

Join us for National Play Day. Find out how Exeter came about and see what the old maps tell us. Make a map of where you live.

In partnership with the Devon Record Office. All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. If an activity is very busy, there may be a short wait. Some activities are messy so do wear clothes that can get dirty.

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RAMM family activity day: A History of the World

Thursday 5 August, 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30 to 3.30pm, admission charge

St Nicholas Priory, the Mint, off Fore Street, Exeter EX4 3BL

What did Exeter and Plymouth choose from their collections to support this national project and why? What would you choose that shows an important part of your life - please bring an object. We will have various activities exploring ways of looking at objects. Why not follow this with a visit to A History of the World in 10 Objects exhibition at Exeter's Guildhall?

All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. If an activity is very busy, there may be a short wait. Some activities are messy so do wear clothes that can get dirty!

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RAMM family activity day: The Object of the Story

Friday 6 August, 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30 to 3.30pm, admission charge

St Nicholas Priory, the Mint, off Fore Street, Exeter EX4 3BL

Why do we put things in cases and say they are important? It is because they have a story to tell. Bring an object that has a story for you, or an object that you think tells an important story about our modern times. Perhaps you can guess the stories of some of our objects. Why not follow this with a visit to A History of the World in 10 objects exhibition at Exeter's Guildhall?

All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. If an activity is very busy, there may be a short wait. Some activities are messy so do wear clothes that can get dirty!

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RAMM family activity day: Costume

Tuesday 10 August, 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30 to 3.30pm, admission charge

St Nicholas Priory, the Mint, off Fore Street, Exeter EX4 3BL

Come along and try on and compare Tudor Costume with Victorian Costume as well as making your own peg and paper dolls. Don't forget to bring a camera!

All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. If an activity is very busy, there may be a short wait. Some activities are messy so do wear clothes that can get dirty! Call the Royal Albert Memorial Museum at 01392 665858 or visit www.exeter.gov.uk/RAMM for further details.

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RAMM family activity day: Bronze Age Dartmoor 2: On Dartmoor

Wednesday 11 August, 10.30am to 4pm, free

Chagford Jubilee Hall, Cross Tree, Chagford TQ13 8AH

Join us on Dartmoor for an exciting day of activities. In the morning we will bring alive the life and culture of Bronze Age people. In the afternoon we will explore a local Bronze Age settlement with an experienced guide. The afternoon will involve a short walk so please bring stout shoes and rain gear. Bring a packed lunch and your camera.

In partnership with Dartmoor National Park Authority.

All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. If an activity is very busy, there may be a short wait. Some activities are messy so do wear clothes that can get dirty!

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RAMM family activity day: A Different Point of View

Thursday 12 August, 11am to 4pm, free

Killerton, Broadclyst, Exeter EX5 3LE

Discover the wonderful house and park at Killerton with an exciting trail and activities that bring to life momentous times from the past that touched the house and the Acland family.

Entry to the house will be free for participants to enjoy the Elegance exhibition at Killerton House. If you wish to dress up in ‘elegant' outdoor attire it will help the atmosphere. Bring your camera and a picnic lunch if you would like to join our Victorian Picnic in the orchard at 12.45pm.

A partnership with The National Trust, Killerton. Pick up a guide to the day's activities and stickers for free entry to the house from the Discovery Centre when you arrive. All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. If an activity is very busy, there may be a short wait. Some activities are messy so do wear clothes that can get dirty!

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RAMM family activity day: Tudor Apothecary

Friday 13 August, 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30 to 3.30pm, admission charge

St Nicholas Priory, the Mint, off Fore Street, Exeter EX4 3BL

The Tudors were rightly terrified of the plague. Find out about this terrible disease and how the Tudors tried to protect themselves and their houses. Make your own potions and nosegays.

All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. If an activity is very busy, there may be a short wait. Some activities are messy so do wear clothes that can get dirty!

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RAMM family activity day: Art in the Park goes Slow Fashion

Saturday 14 August, 11am to 4pm, drop in, free

Haldon Forest Park, Exeter, Devon, EX6 7XR

RAMM is one of several organisations taking part in this popular family art festival which is now in its third year. This year's focus is fashion, textiles and the environment. A partnership with the Centre for Contemporary Arts and the Natural World (CCANW).

The project space is next to the new gateway and main car park of the Haldon Forest Park, between Exeter Racecourse and Haldon Belvedere, 5 miles (8km) south of Exeter. OS Grid ref. SX884849.

For more details contact CCANW on 01392 832277 or visit www.ccanw.co.uk.

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RAMM family activity day: Imperial Rome

Wednesday 18 August, 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30 to 3.30pm, free

Chapter House, Exeter Cathedral EX1 1HS

Where did the Romans go? How big was their empire and why were they so successful? Why did it finally collapse? Come and ask a Roman soldier who will also marshal you into one of the finest fighting forces ever known! Battle manoeuvres at noon and 3pm so please arrive half an hour before if you want to make a shield. Parents can be Barbarians!

All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. If an activity is very busy, there may be a short wait. Some activities are messy so do wear clothes that can get dirty!

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RAMM family activity day: Clay Tiles

Thursday 19 August, 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30 to 3.30pm, free

Chapter House, Exeter Cathedral EX1 1HS

Another of Exeter's History of the World Objects is an antefix, a roman roof decoration, found in the excavation of the Roman Baths just next to the Cathedral. Come and make and decorate your own. Why not follow this with a visit to our History of the World in 10 Objects exhibition in Exeter's Guildhall?

All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. If an activity is very busy, there may be a short wait. Some activities are messy so do wear clothes that can get dirty!

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RAMM family activity day: Dead and Buried

Friday 20 August, 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30 to 3.30pm, admission charge

St Nicholas Priory, the Mint, off Fore Street, Exeter EX4 3BL

Another chance to explore burial practices and funeral goods from ancient cultures. Viking Long Ship burials and mummification are always popular!

All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. If an activity is very busy, there may be a short wait. Some activities are messy so do wear clothes that can get dirty!

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Living History Day at St Nicholas Priory

Saturday 21 August, 10am to 4pm, free

St Nicholas Priory, the Mint, off Fore Street, Exeter EX4 3BL

The History Re enactment Workshop will once again be visiting St Nicholas Priory to bring back to life the Hurst household who really did live here 400 years ago. Children are welcome to join in daily duties to help the servants keep things in good order and to find out what's on their minds in the year 1603.

All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. If an activity is very busy, there may be a short wait. Some activities are messy so do wear clothes that can get dirty!

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RAMM family activity day: Costume

Tue 24 August, 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30 to 3.30pm, admission charge

St Nicholas Priory, the Mint, off Fore Street, Exeter EX4 3BL

Come along and try on and compare Tudor Costume with Victorian Costume as well as making your own peg and paper dolls. Don't forget to bring a camera!

All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. If an activity is very busy, there may be a short wait. Some activities are messy so do wear clothes that can get dirty!

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RAMM family activity day: Printer's Devil

Wednesday 25 August, 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30 to 3.30pm, admission charge

St. Nicholas Priory, the Mint, off Fore Street, Exeter EX4 3BL

Printing revolutionised society in the Tudor period, much like computers and the internet have done for us. Come and try your hand at printing and find out about some of the great printers and their dangerous lives.

All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. If an activity is very busy, there may be a short wait. Some activities are messy so do wear clothes that can get dirty!

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RAMM family activity day: Robert the Rat

Thursday 26 August, 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30 to 3.30pm, admission charge

St Nicholas Priory, the Mint, off Fore Street, Exeter EX4 3BL

Come and explore this wonderful Tudor House with one of its oldest inhabitants, Robert the Rat.

All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. If an activity is very busy, there may be a short wait. Some activities are messy so do wear clothes that can get dirty!

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RAMM family activity day: Shadows of the past

Friday 27 August, 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30 to 3.30pm, admission charge

St Nicholas Priory, the Mint, off Fore Street, Exeter EX4 3BL

An opportunity this summer to experience the fascination of animation. The Priory has many ghosts, come and animate your own.

All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. If an activity is very busy, there may be a short wait. Some activities are messy so do wear clothes that can get dirty!

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Open 10am to 4pm, free entry

St Nicholas Priory, the Mint, off Fore Street, Exeter EX4 3BL

Drop into the Priory for free and get to know this stunning Elizabethan town house a little better as part of the national Heritage Open Days initiative.