About
M Shed has re-opened, subject to Government guidelines. Please check directly on their website and/or social media channels for the latest updates.
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.
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Book Tickets
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

- Excellent842
- Very Good658
- Average240
- Poor68
- Terrible40
Recent Reviews:
- philipc556Bristol, United KingdomSadly datedSunday, 15th May 2022Sadly now very dated, . I don't think the Arrowsmiths strike will not be of any interest to children of today . Many of the working models and exhibits were broken or in need of attention Read full review
- JFoo123Trip Type:FamilyDisappointingSunday, 15th May 2022MShed Cafe Very disappointing, overpriced, sub-standard food. Visited the cafe as part of a family outing. Wished we hadn't gone there. The food was awful and not cheap. So we left feeling as if we... Read full review
- HiggyBristolBristol, United KingdomAlways InterestingWednesday, 18th May 2022We re-visited M Shed while showing some friends around the city. They really enjoyed it, as did we. The exhibits seems to change from time to time, so there's always something new to see, or perhaps... Read full review