About

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery tells the story of our world in every display, from the beginning of time to the present day.

19 galleries over 3 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 dynamic exhibitions and events programme throughout the year and a shop and cafe.

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 try out new activities in 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 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. The museums 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 - amongst other great artists in the seven art galleries.

Exquisite craftsmanship and design 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 the family-friendly activity areas, including the new under 7s play area - Curiosity. Journey around the museum with one of our colourful trails or get arty at one of our hands-on activity days.

Elsewhere

One side of the front hall is now dominated by The State Entry, a huge painting by Roderick MacKenzie (1856-1941) painted in 1907. The painting was the first item bought for the British Empire & Commonwealth Museum, founded in the 1980s and shows the procession of British officials and Indian princes at the Delhi Durbar of 1903, a great gathering of the princes to hear Edward VII proclaimed as Emperor of India.