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About
Situated on the historic Harbourside, M Shed is the history museum of Bristol that tells the story of our city.
Learn about Bristol's history
The 1950s transit shed, originally called M Shed, on Bristol’s historic wharf has been transformed into a museum. Thought-provoking and fun, M Shed challenges the perceptions of what it has meant to live here over the centuries through the recollections of the people who shaped the city.
M Shed explores the city’s history from prehistoric times to the 21st century. Stories about the city and its people have been discovered through working with experts and communities across the city – a process that will continue for the life of the museum. Rich collections of objects, art and archives also play an important part in bringing those stories to life.
There are also working exhibits on the harbourside including steamboats, trains and cranes as well as a new café that opens out onto a public square on the dockside.
M Shed is a new kind of museum, one that challenges traditional ideas. It works with the people of Bristol to create displays which make everyone want to come and see. It is a living museum, where the stories of the past spark discussions about the future.
The Edward Colston statue which was toppled during the Black Lives Matter movement in June 2020 is on permenant display laid down, in a glass case within the ‘protest exhibit’ in the People gallery at M Shed museum.
Free day out for everyone
M Shed is free to the public. Visit and you can explore over 2000 years of Bristol’s history, access over 150 restored and digitalised films and uncover Bristol’s trading past and its role in the transatlantic slave trade. Explore the city’s war-time experiences, industrial heritage and engineering history. Discover things made in Bristol from its music and art to industry and technology, see over 3000 objects from the city’s museum and archive collections including favourites from the Industrial Museum. Come and enjoy a programme of local, national and international exhibitions.
You may also like
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Art and Culture experiences in Bristol
Go on an art hunt in Bristol City Centre
Take me back to the Visit Bristol home page
Book Tickets
Opening Times
| Season (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024) |
|---|
Awards
- Bristol Tourism & Hospitality Award
Large Attraction of the Year Winner 2013 2014 - Regional and Miscellaneous
WTTC Safe Travels 2021
Further Information
Other
- Gift Shop
Accessibility
- All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors
- Guide Dogs Permitted
- Ramp/Level Access
- Toilets for Disabled Visitors
Attraction Facilities
- Shop
Catering
- On-Site café/restaurant
Establishment Features
- Conference facilities
- Dogs-Accepted - Guide Dogs only
- Shop
- Toilets
- Wedding Venue
Key Features
- In town/city centre
- Indoor Attraction
Specialist Features
- Family Fun
- Marketed towards families
- Marketed towards senior citizens
- Marketed towards student/youth
Tours and Demonstrations
- Educational Visits Accepted
- Guided Tours Available for Groups
TripAdvisor
- Excellent870
- Very Good675
- Average249
- Poor71
- Terrible43
Recent Reviews:
- AygunabbasovaUnited KingdomTrip Type:Friends getawayOne of Bristol's most colorful museums
Wednesday, 27th March 2024Actually, my friends and I entered the M-Shed museum completely by accident, but we found a lot of wonderful details about Bristol inside. It is perhaps the museum that shows the history of the city... Read full review - Justin WWestbury, United KingdomTrip Type:FamilyDisappointed
Tuesday, 2nd April 2024Disappointed with this museum. Most of the interactive displays were broken or display cabinet lights not working. Not sure what the museum was about, no real theme. Not suitable for younger kids as... Read full review - UrsosarctosUnited KingdomToo little structure, too much posturing
Saturday, 6th April 2024The exhibits seem to have very little logic or structure, and it is not at all clear what is to be found where. The newish section about Protest, almost certainly created as a home for the felled... Read full review
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