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About
*** As of 18 March, M Shed will be closed to the public until 1 May. If you have pre-purchased tickets for Wildlife Photographer of the Year, please contact them to request a refund. ***
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.
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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Take me back to the Visit Bristol home page
Awards
- Bristol Tourism & Hospitality Award
Large Attraction of the Year Winner 2013 2014
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
Certificate of Excellence 2019
- Excellent814
- Very Good638
- Average229
- Poor61
- Terrible37
Recent Reviews:
- Marc2396modern but nothing special
Thursday, 12th March 2020On the one hand M Shed is nice to go around because its quite modern and has several different parts. Its okay but unfortunately nothing special to see. When you hear about or see the location you... Read full review - BobandJosieReading, United KingdomReally Good Museum of Local History
Saturday, 14th March 2020We were very impressed by the quality of the items on display - as well as the thoughful layout. Really good blend of the historical and relatively recent - which many similar museums fail to achieve. Read full review - Walker1951Derbyshire, United KingdomFree to enterMonday, 30th March 2020M Shed is a very interesting museum which is free to enter. From time to time they have additional exhibitions where there is an entrance fee. I would certainly recommend a visit. Read full review
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