About
Located on the harbour front, M Shed is the museum of Bristol and 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 Bristol are told by experts and communities from across the city – an ongoing process. Rich collections of objects, art and archives also play an important part in bringing those stories to life.
Original working exhibits on the harbourside include steamboats, trains and cranes, which you can ride in or even drive on some days of the year.
Recently refreshed displays on protest throughout Bristol’s history now include the statue of Edward Colston which was toppled during the Black Lives Matter march in June 2020.
M Shed’s café opens out onto a public square on the dockside. There are spaces to hire with amazing views over the harbour on the second floor.
Free day out for everyone
M Shed is free of charge. Visit and you can explore over 2,000 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, with more than 3,000 objects from the city’s museum and archive collections including favourites from the Industrial Museum.
Book Tickets
Opening Times
Season (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024) |
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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
- Families
- 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
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:
- Excellent872
- Very Good675
- Average249
- Poor71
- Terrible43
Recent Reviews:
- UrsosarctosUnited KingdomToo little structure, too much posturingSaturday, 6th April 2024The exhibits seem to have very little logic or structure, and it is not at all clear what is to be found where. The newish section about Protest, almost certainly created as a home for the felled... Read full review
- Eve SExcellent exhibitsSunday, 21st April 2024Lovely museum. Amazing views from the roof, friendly staff, cafe good value for money. Particularly impressed by the exhibits exploring Bristols links with the slave trade. Read full review
- Sasha HLiverpool, United KingdomFantastic museumFriday, 26th April 2024What a fabulous museum. Coming from Liverpool I was struck by the similarities between our two cities and their history. M Shed is an amazing museum full of local history, and without glossing over... Read full review