About
In line with Government guidance, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery will be closed for the foreseeable future. Find out more about their reopening plans here
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.
You may also like
More Bristol Museums & Galleries
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
Guide Prices
Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
---|---|
Free Admission | Free |
Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
The above times should be used as an indicator during the recovery phase from the global pandemic.
Please double-check details by visiting the website via the link above before you visit
Awards
- Visit England
Code of Practice 2012
- Visit Britain
We're Good to Go 2020
Further Information
Accessibility
- Accessible to Wheelchair Users
- Facilities for the Disabled
- 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
- Of historic, literary or architectural interest
Parking & Transport
- On Bus Route
- Parking (charge) - Pay and display and multi-storey carparks nearby
Payment Methods
- Min group size - 10
- 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

- Travelers Choice 2020
- Excellent547
- Very Good429
- Average127
- Poor15
- Terrible11
Recent Reviews:
- Jotty2Trip Type:Solo travelWorth a visitFriday, 30th October 2020Spent a couple of hours in here on a rainy day. Quite a small museum compared to some but lots to see. A magic exhibition was not what I expected, although very interesting but i think should be... Read full review
- R1304GFgarydTrip Type:FamilyBrilliantTuesday, 3rd November 2020I booked this on line for me and my son and messed up the booking. I contacted the museum and they helped sort it out and I had no problems getting in. The staff and exhibits are amazing we walked... Read full review
- SwedishtomcatDiss, United KingdomHasn’t changed a bitWednesday, 4th November 2020The nice thing about it is that it hasn’t changed a bit since I started visiting here with my Nanna in the 1980s. The bad thing is that its the same old, same old. The ornate toilets are worth using... Read full review