Breaking the Chains Exhibition

Breaking the Chains is a £1 million Heritage Lottery Funded exhibition that has been created to mark the significance of 2007 in consultation with community members, and in partnership with Bristol's Museums, Galleries and Archives.

This ground-breaking exhibition presents authentic artefacts, film, music, photography, video and personal testimonies to provide visitors with an incredible multi-sensory experience. The entire top floor of the Museum will contain six dedicated galleries covering the following key areas:

Gallery 1. What is slavery?
Slavery has existed throughout history. It still exists today. Discover what made the transatlantic slave trade so different from all other forms of human bondage.

Gallery 2. Africa and Europe
Immerse yourself in the richness and diversity of African culture. See how the slave trade dramatically changed the lives of both Africans and Europeans.

Gallery 3: The Caribbean
Journey across the ‘middle passage’ and experience the reality of life and death in the Americas.

Gallery 4: The Age of Abolition
Violent resistance or peaceful protest? Find out what really brought the slave trade to an end.

Gallery 5. In slavery’s footsteps
What is the price of freedom? See and hear about life in the Caribbean after abolition.

ME DEYA THEATRE AND FILM
A multimedia gallery presenting a variety of opinions, ideas and feelings about the contemporary legacies of the slave trade. Touch screens open up a variety of specially commissioned short films responding to the themes of racism, identity, wealth, poverty and people trafficking.

VOX BOX
A place to record your own thoughts and responses in audio or video format to any aspect of the 'Breaking the Chains' exhibition.

MUSIC AND ORAL HISTORY
Personal testimonies, historical memoirs and modern day descendants bring this history to life through the exhibition’s interactive sound stations. See and hear how both spoken word and music provided an important vehicle for African expression and how black music has had a major influence on today’s popular culture.

Venue

British Empire & Commonwealth Museum, Temple

Dates

Opening 23 Apr 2007 - 31 Oct 2008

 Facilities

Provider Preferences

• In town/city centre
• Of historic, literary or architectural interest