About
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery sits proudly in the city centre, a cultural icon for more than a century, where sweeping Edwardian Baroque architecture with grand staircases, glittering chandeliers and dramatic glass ceilings sets an unforgettable scene. Its blend of historic character and remarkable collections makes it a standout venue for both corporate events and private celebrations, immersing guests in a vibrant atmosphere of art, natural history and stories that stretch across thousands of years.
Conferences & Meetings
Winterstoke and Wills Halls together offer over 500 square metres of versatile event space, providing a polished and characterful setting for professional gatherings. The combination of marble floors, sweeping balconies and soaring glass ceilings creates an impressive atmosphere, supported by layouts that can be tailored for anything from board meetings to large conferences.
Daytime bookings come with full facilities and the support of a dedicated events team who oversee AV, catering and room preparation, while guests enjoy unlimited tea and coffee, morning and afternoon refreshments and a fresh salad and sandwich lunch. Blending historic charm with modern practicality in a central location, the halls deliver a smooth, memorable experience for every event.
Parties & Social Events
Event layouts can be designed to suit everything from elegant seated dinners to relaxed streetfood setups or vibrant social gatherings, with linens, table décor and catering tailored to match your chosen style. Evening celebrations can begin with a welcome drinks reception, followed by either a twocourse meal or a selection of streetfood stations, complemented by music from a DJ or disco to keep the atmosphere lively. A fully staffed bar operates throughout the night, ensuring guests have refreshments on hand from start to finish.
Gala Dinners & Private Dining
Evenings can open with a prosecco reception or a refreshing non-alcoholic option, before guests sit down to a threecourse seasonal dinner with coffee and petit fours or enjoy a selection of savoury and sweet bowl foods. A staffed bar and DJ keep the atmosphere lively throughout, while a dedicated events team manages every detail behind the scenes. Together, the museum’s historic architecture, cultural surroundings and professional support create a dining experience that feels memorable and unique for every guest.
Social Impact
By hosting your event at the Museum, you are supporting Bristol Museums and the work they do to care for the treasures in the collections and ensure the museums remain accessible for all. To find out more about how your event helps support Bristol Museum & Art gallery click here.
Capacity
| Room | Banqueting | Boardroom | Classroom | Theatre | U-Shaped | Cabaret | Reception |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wills Hall | 240 | - | - | 300 | - | 160 | 400 |
Capacity
| Wills Hall Banqueting | |
|---|---|
| Unit | Capacity |
| Banqueting | 240 |
| Wills Hall Cabaret | |
|---|---|
| Unit | Capacity |
| Cabaret | 160 |
| Wills Hall Theatre | |
|---|---|
| Unit | Capacity |
| Theatre | 300 |
Facilities
Other
- Exclusive Use
Accessibility
- Accessible to Wheelchair Users
- Disability awareness training for all personnel
- Facilities for Disabled Visitors
- Guide Dogs Permitted
- Ramp to main entrance
- Toilets for Disabled Visitors
Catering
- Cater for vegetarians
- Catering by in-house Caterers
Establishment Features
- Conference facilities
- Licenced for alcohol
Key Features
- In town/city centre
- Of historic, literary or architectural interest
- Unique venue
Parking & Transport
- On Bus Route
Sustainability
- Products & Suppliers - Organic Produce Served
- Products & Suppliers - Plant-Based Options or Menu
- Waste - Waste reduction or reuse
Venue Facilities
- Catering available in house
Map & Directions
Road Directions
From M4 Junction 19, join the M32 into Bristol City Centre. At the end of the M32, follow the signs to A4 / City Centre. This will bring you into the centre. Keep in the right lane signposted for Clifton. Bear to the right and continue up the hill, the museum is at the top of the hill on the right. You can park in any of the city car parks but the closest two are West End and Trenchard Street Car Parks both about 5 minutes walk away.
Public Transport Directions
By train: Bristol Temple Meads station is a 25 minute walk away. Clifton Down station is a 15 minute walk away, but both are served by the 1,8 and 9 bus services which would take you to the museum.By bus: Bus services numbered 1, 8, 8a, 9, 40, 40a, 41, 54 all travel past the museum up Park Street. For timetables please call traveline on 0871 200 22 33.By foot or on bike: The museum is located on Queen’s Road just off Park Street and is only a five to ten minute walk from the city centre. There are several bicycle stands close to the museum where you could park your bike.
