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.
Colston Statue
The Edward Colston statue which was toppled during the Black Lives Matter movement in June 2020 will be on permenant display laid down, in a glass case from 15 March 2024, refreshing the theme of ‘protest’ 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.
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Book Tickets
Opening Times
Season (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024) |
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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
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:
- Excellent869
- Very Good675
- Average248
- Poor70
- Terrible43
Recent Reviews:
- redjumper2013London, United KingdomTrip Type:FamilyProbably more for people who live in BristolMonday, 5th February 2024I think if you come from Bristol or surrounding areas you'd probably get a lot more out of this place. As it was we were just visiting for the day and nipped in not long before closing on a rainy... Read full review
- Wayne WTrip Type:Friends getawayLovely from start to finishFriday, 16th February 2024Me and my friend came here .we were greeted by a very nice man . He was very kind and let us leave our trolley by the entrance The man Joel was very nice and very friendly and they all couldn’t do... Read full review
- Ken1greenDeal, United KingdomPoor politically biased museumMonday, 18th March 2024While many of the exhibits were of interest the politicisation of some parts was a reflection of those who run such places and are happy to write their own history. In particular the exhibit which... Read full review