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About
In line with Government guidance, M Shed is closed. Find out more about their reopening plans here
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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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
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
- Bristol Tourism & Hospitality Award
Large Attraction of the Year Winner 2013 2014 - Visit Britain
We're Good to Go 2020
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
Travelers Choice 2020
- Excellent819
- Very Good643
- Average230
- Poor63
- Terrible37
Recent Reviews:
- JTJDUnited KingdomTrip Type:CouplesExcellent!
Monday, 9th November 2020Free entrance but you need to book online in advance or take your chance, like we did, & turn up on speck & see if they can fit you in. Excellent museum, a fascinating history of Bristol that’s... Read full review - paddyjpgAlicante, SpainTrip Type:Solo travelA Confusing and Disordered Museum
Thursday, 10th December 2020This museum could be amazing, however they've gone overboard. There's no structure to the rooms, with no guidance for your eyes. The exhibits are not in chronological order, and the themes blend into... Read full review - uppeastlondonLondon, United KingdomrandomFriday, 5th February 2021Mshed, the most important Bristol's museum, where you can discover the history of the city and see a jumble of things in no particular order concerning Bristol. Read full review
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