About

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery tells stories about the world, from the beginning of time to the present day.

Nineteen galleries over three floors reveal fascinating cultures, ancient civilisations, human invention and creativity, as well as showcasing our beautiful and fragile natural world. With thousands of amazing objects on display, one visit just isn't enough!

World-class collections of art, archaeology, geology and natural history are displayed inside this beautiful Edwardian building at the top of Park Street and the bottom of Whiteladies Road.

The museum also has a dynamic exhibitions and events programme throughout the year and boasts a gift shop and cafe.

Virtual tour

Enter the magnificent Bristol Museum building on a online tour. Housed here are all kinds of treasures, some of which can be spied on your virtual way round, including Banksy’s Paint Pot Angel, a Bristol Boxkite and the Egyptian and Assyrian galleries.

On the ground floor

Explore the natural wonders of our region, step back in time to ancient Egypt and Assyria and encounter intriguing objects from the archaeology and world cultures collections in the Curiosity Gallery. Under 7s can visit the museum's popular play and learn space.

On the first floor

Take a journey through the last billion years of the history of the planet in the geology galleries. Amazing fossils allow you to see traces of creatures that have evolved and become extinct on its ever-changing surface. Discover a sparkling world of minerals, gemstones and crystals including the Bristol Diamond. 

In the dinosaur galleries, meet the Bristol dinosaur and some of his friends, including the best-preserved dinosaurs ever found in Britain - the Scelidosaurus. A new display showcases Mary Anning’s second significant find, a huge Icthyosaur skull. The museum’s wildlife galleries allow you to take a trip through the animal kingdom and see rare, endangered and extinct wildlife from the UK and around the globe. 

From the first floor balcony, you can see how Bristol has developed over the centuries through maps and prints. You can also view the Bristol Boxkite from here.

On the second floor

Explore the museum's art galleries. Discover Bellini, Cranach, Renior, Pissarro, Sisley, Bomberg, Hepworth and Beryl Cook - among other great artists in the seven art galleries. 

Exquisite craftsmanship and design are showcased in the ceramic and glass galleries. British and European collections are displayed alongside locally made wares.

In the Bristol School of Artists gallery, the glittering silver collection is displayed against a backdrop of paintings of Bristol as it was over 200 years ago. 

In the Eastern art gallery, see a stunning array of ceramics, carvings and glass from ancient China and Japan. Immerse yourself in the beauty of one of the best collections of Chinese glass outside Asia. 

For families

There are lots of brilliant hands-on areas for you to discover together. Explore three family-friendly activity areas. Journey around the museum with trails or get arty at a holiday activity day.

Accessibility

There is no parking outside the venue. The nearest parking is on Berkeley Square. There is level access into the venue, entrance doors are double width. There is a lift for public use, and handrails throughout the museum. Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.

Accessible and gender neutral toilet facilities are available. A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog. Temporary exhibitions have large print guides. There is no in-house BSL speaker and documents are not available in Braille.

View the full accessibility guide on AccessAble