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Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

Queens Road, West End, Bristol, BS8 1RL

Tel: +44 (0)117 922 3571

Add Bristol Museum & Art Gallery to your Itinerary

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery exterior

About

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery tells the story of our world in every display, from the beginning of time to the present day.

19 galleries over 3 floors reveal fascinating cultures, ancient civilisations, human invention and creativity, as well as showcasing our beautiful and fragile natural world. With thousands of amazing objects on display, one visit just isn't enough!

World-class collections of art, archaeology, geology and natural history are displayed inside this beautiful Edwardian building at the top of Park Street and the bottom of Whiteladies Road.

The Museum also has dynamic exhibitions and events programme throughout the year and a shop and cafe.

Virtual Tour

Enter the magnificent Bristol Museum building in their online tour. Housed here are all kinds of treasures, some of which can be spied on your virtual way round, including Banksy’s Paint Pot Angel, a Bristol Boxkite and the Egyptian and Assyrian galleries.

On the Ground Floor

Explore the natural wonders of our region, step back in time to ancient Egypt and Assyria and encounter intriguing objects from the Archaeology and World Cultures collections in the Curiosity gallery. Under 7s can try out new activities in the museum's popular play and learn space.

On the First Floor

Take a journey through the last billion years of the history of the planet in the Geology galleries.  Amazing fossils allow you to see traces of creatures that have evolved and become extinct on its ever-changing surface.  Discover sparkling world of minerals, gemstones and crystals including the Bristol Diamond. 

In the dinosaur galleries, meet the Bristol dinosaur and some of his friends, including the best-preserved dinosaurs ever found in Britain - the Scelidosaurus.  The museums wildlife galleries allow you to take a trip through the animal kingdom and see rare, endangered and extinct wildlife from the UK and around the globe. 

From the first floor balcony, you can see how Bristol has developed over the centuries through maps and prints.  You can also view the Bristol BoxKite from here.

On the Second Floor

Explore the museum's art galleries. Discover Bellini, Cranach, Renior, Pissarro, Sisley, Bomberg, Hepworth and Beryl Cook - amongst other great artists in the seven art galleries. 

Exquisite craftsmanship and design showcased in the ceramic and glass galleries.  British and European collections are displayed alongside locally made wares.

In the Bristol School of Artists gallery, the glittering silver collection is displayed against a backdrop of paintings of Bristol as it was over 200 years ago. 

In the Eastern Art Gallery, see a stunning array of ceramics, carvings and glass from ancient China and Japan.  Immerse yourself in the beauty of one of the best collections of Chinese glass outside Asia. 

For Families

There are lots of brilliant hands-on areas for you to discover together.  Explore the family-friendly activity areas, including the new under 7s play area - Curiosity. Journey around the museum with one of their colourful trails or get arty at one of their hands-on activity days.

Accessibility

No parking outside the venue. Nearest parking is located on Berkeley Square. There is not level access into the venue, entrance doors are double width. There is a lift for public use, and handrails throughout the museum. Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.

Accessible toilet facilities are available. A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog. A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty. Documents are not available in Braille or large print.

View the full accessibility guide on AccessAble

 

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Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Free AdmissionFree

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

Opening Times

Season (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)
DayTimes
MondayClosed
Tuesday10:0017:00
Wednesday10:0017:00
Thursday10:0017:00
Friday10:0017:00
Saturday10:0017:00
Sunday10:0017:00
Bank HolidayOpen

Awards

  • Visit EnglandCode of Practice Code of Practice 2012
  • Regional and MiscellaneousWTTC Safe Travels WTTC Safe Travels 2021

Further Information

Accessibility

  • Accessible to Wheelchair Users
  • Facilities for Disabled Visitors
  • Guide Dogs Permitted
  • Toilets for Disabled Visitors - Yes - disabled and baby changing facilities

Attraction Facilities

  • Shop

Catering

  • On-Site café/restaurant

Children & Infants

  • Facilities for children

Establishment Features

  • Cater for groups
  • Conference facilities - Facilities for corporate hire after 5pm
  • Event Venue
  • On-site Restaurant/Cafe
  • Toilets - yes - disabled and baby changing facilities

Event Facilities

  • Free Entry

Key Features

  • Approx length of visit - 2 hours
  • In town/city centre
  • Indoor Attraction
  • Max group size - 25
  • Min group size - 10
  • Of historic, literary or architectural interest

Parking & Transport

  • On Bus Route
  • Parking (charge) - Pay and display and multi-storey carparks nearby

Payment Methods

  • Special group rates - groups can be accommodated but must be booked in advance

Specialist Features

  • Family Fun
  • Marketed towards families

Tours and Demonstrations

  • Educational Visits Accepted
  • Guided Tours Available for Groups - Yes, must be booked in advance and a charge will be made for curator time

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars
    • Excellent
      603
    • Very Good
      454
    • Average
      133
    • Poor
      19
    • Terrible
      12

    Recent Reviews:

    • Discover19994069321
      London, United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Family
      Good Museum but could be better.
      2 of 5 stars
      Friday, 16th February 2024
      The Egyptian and dinosaur areas are really good for the kids. And a good cafe. But the museum is very preachy about history. I prefer to make up my own mind and not be lectured to. Read full review
    • Sandy E
      Frome
      Great museum, poor cafe
      4 of 5 stars
      Wednesday, 6th March 2024
      Museum is great-so many things to see. Wildlife photographer of the year exhibition very good. Cafe-cakes good. Such a shame panninis dry as dust! A wasted opportunity with plenty of space and... Read full review
    • Mudger D
      A visit for all of the family from kids to grandparents
      4 of 5 stars
      Thursday, 14th March 2024
      A lovely greeting from the chap on reception. Very informative, friendly and enthusiastic. A good place for all age groups in the family Read full review

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