Museum of Bristol

Introduction

The flagship Museum of Bristol will open on Harbourside in 2011 and will bring the city’s full history to life - from ancient times to modern days.

It’s an exciting development for all of us – for the first time we will have a world-class museum dedicated to the history of Bristol and the people who have lived and worked here across time.

There will be something for everyone.  Bristolians, visitors to the city, children and families will all learn more about the city, and come away with a better understanding of what makes Bristol Bristol.  Entry will be free.
 
Our new museum has been made possible due to a £11.3 million Heritage Lottery Fund grant, and generous support from Bristol City Council, Renaissance South West and the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.

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Landmark Buildings

The £26.5 million Museum of Bristol will be housed in the landmark 1950s transit sheds at Princes Wharf, home of the former Industrial Museum.

The whole site – the sheds and their quayside – is one of the last remaining complete 20th century docksides in the UK.

The sheds will be fully and sympathetically renovated.  Their historic character will be preserved and a stunning glass rooftop gallery will be added to create an additional exhibition space. 

The Museum of Bristol will be an essential part of the regeneration of Bristol’s Harbourside. It will attract local, national and international visitors contributing to our local and regional economy. It will preserve a key part of Bristol’s industrial dockside heritage.

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On Display

Bristol is leading the way nationally in working with local people and experts to decide what to include and display in the new museum:

·   It will be full of fascinating objects, pictures, documents and Bristol icons from our nationally-recognised collections.  Old favourites will be on display alongside new exciting exhibits.  The restored buildings will allow us to display our objects to their full potential.

·   The museum will also be full of the personal memories and stories of people who have lived and worked in Bristol over the centuries.   It will feature the extraordinary stories of ordinary people to show how the city and our lives have changed over time.

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Boats, Trains and Cranes

The museum’s working exhibits - the historic boats, trains and cranes - will play an important role.  The train is continuing to operate whilst the new museum is being created - click [here] for the latest running times.

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Facilities

The new Museum of Bristol will also provide:
 

• free exhibitions 
• fantastic learning spaces
• a welcoming and relaxing café
• a book and gift shop
• workshop and train shed
• a modern function space 

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Contemporary Debate

The new museum will also get people talking and provide a contemporary space for debate about the city’s present and future.

Visitors will be encouraged to have an active voice in creating a better Bristol and to help us keep an eye on the future as well as on the past.

The Museum of Bristol will also work in partnership with the diverse communities of the city to encourage their involvement and contribution.

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You Can Contribute

You can help us make Bristol history too by donating your own stories and memories to the museum.

See our What’s Your Bristol page to donate your story online.

Also click here to find out more about how you can support the new museum.

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Updates

Click here for the latest Museum of Bristol news.

If you would like to receive updates on the project, please email museumofbristolcontent@bristol.gov.uk and mark your mail ‘update’. 

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