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About
*** M Shed re-opens from Tuesday 8 September. Entry remains free but all visits must now be booked in advance. Pre-booking opens on 1 September. 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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Go on an art hunt in Bristol City Centre
Take me back to the Visit Bristol home page
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
Certificate of Excellence 2020
- Excellent815
- Very Good640
- Average230
- Poor62
- Terrible37
Recent Reviews:
- Supame3Guildford, United KingdomInteresting visit
Tuesday, 15th September 2020A lovely museum. Not too big, Well laid out and ideal for a spare couple of hours getting a feel for Bristol. Read full review - peterlikesnicefoodmodern museamWednesday, 16th September 2020most museams often come across as quite dull or boring however the M shed is able to deliver a more engaging experience for people visiting Read full review
- baz653London, United Kingdomlots of history
Wednesday, 23rd September 2020visited the m shed and found it was closed however all around there its got fascinating history outside on display ,the old cranes ,railway lines and lovely boats .lord nelson being one some lovely... Read full review
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