British Empire & Commonwealth Museum

Open daily 10.00 - 17.00. until October 2008.

The only Museum in the world covering the dramatic history of Britain's imperial past and modern day Commonwealth. Over 500 years of history brought to life using state-of-the-art presentational techniques. The galleries tell the story of British exploration, trade and conquest and the continued impact this has on multicultural Britain and the world today.

Guided tours of the magnificent building are available by advance booking, allowing behind-the-scenes access to one of Isambard Kingdom Brunel's greatest architectural achievements.

'Breaking the Chains', a ground breaking exhibition about Britain and the slave trade is currently on display, commemorating the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade. Entry is included within normal museum entry.

Opening Times

Opening 2008 1 Jan 2008 - 31 Oct 2008

* The museum will be closing in October to re-locate to a new premises in London. Please contact museum for closure date.

Events

Tickets Information

Road Directions

Car users should leave the M4 at junction 19, taking the M32 to the city centre and Temple Meads station. Take junction 19 for Bristol city centre if travelling north on the M5 or junction 18 if travelling south. Limited pay and display parking is available at the rear of the Museum.

Coaches may set down and pick up directly outside. Coach parks are located just a few minutes away at Cumberland Road (street parking) and Bristol City Football Club (tel. 0117 963 0614).

Public Transport Directions

The Museum is located in the historic railway terminus building of the Great Western Railway building which is right next to Temple Meads, Bristol's present main railway station. It is served by the City's principal public transport services, including rail, bus (8 & 9), park and ride, river ferry and airport shuttle.

 Facilities

• Gift Shop

Provider Preferences

• Celebrity connection
• Film or TV location
• Haunted
• In town/city centre
• Indoor Attraction
• No Smoking Attraction
• Of historic, literary or architectural interest
• Smoking Some Areas

Accessibility

• Accessible to Wheelchair Users
• Facilities for the Disabled
• Guide Dogs Permitted
• On Bus Route
• Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
• Ramp/Level Access
• Toilets for Disabled Visitors

Children & Infants

• Facilities for children

Parking & Transport

• On site parking
• Parking (charge)

Catering

• On-Site café/restaurant

Payment Methods

• Approx length of visit - Half a day
• Can be packages by 3rd parties
• Delta accepted
• Groups Accepted
• Maestro accepted
• MasterCard accepted
• Min group size - 10
• Solo accepted
• Special group rates
• Switch accepted
• TIC Staff Admitted Free
• Visa accepted

Establishment Features

• Available for wedding receptions
• Business facilities (eg. Fax/ modem)
• Cater for groups
• Conference facilities
• Dogs Accepted
• Event venue
• Licenced for civil marriages
• Printed Material in Foreign Languages
• Toilets

Specialist Features

• Family Fun
• Marketed towards children
• Marketed towards families
• Marketed towards senior citizens

Tours and Demonstrations

• Educational Visits Accepted
• Guided Tours Available for Groups
• Guided Tours Available for Individuals