M Shed

Museum | Bristol | England | United Kingdom

The M Shed in Bristol is a museum dedicated to the history of the city, providing a comprehensive insight into its development from prehistoric times to the present day. It is located in a former warehouse from the 1950s, originally known as the "M Shed" and later converted into a museum.

Collection and Exhibitions

The M Shed's collection includes over 3,000 artifacts that illuminate various aspects of Bristol's history:

Transport history: Exhibits on the various modes of transportation that shaped Bristol, including models of ships, airplanes, and vehicles.

Social history: Objects documenting the lives of Bristol's population over the centuries, including personal stories and everyday items.

Art and culture: Works by local artists and cultural artifacts reflecting the city's creative scene.

Special Features

A standout feature of the M Shed is the collection of historical vehicles, including the "Pyronaut," a fireboat from 1934, and the "Mayflower," the world's oldest surviving steam tug. These ships are often on display in front of the museum, providing a direct link to Bristol's maritime history.

Events and Activities

The museum regularly offers events and workshops focusing on various aspects of Bristol's history and culture. These include lectures, special exhibitions, and interactive programs for visitors of all ages.

Facilities

Various facilities are available for visitors:

Café: A café invites visitors to relax and offers a selection of food and drinks.

Shop: A museum shop offers souvenirs and publications that delve deeper into the museum's theme.

The M Shed is a significant place that preserves Bristol's rich cultural heritage and provides visitors with a deep insight into the history and development of the city.

Contact details

Web

Phone

Address
Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd
BS1 4RN Bristol

Map view

Opening hours

Sunday10:00 - 17:00
Monday--
Tuesday10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday10:00 - 17:00
Thursday10:00 - 17:00
Friday10:00 - 17:00
Saturday10:00 - 17:00

Reviews

6031 Reviews

Mark Hughes (Hughesy)
02.02.2025

My son enjoys this place, even though he is only 3 years old. There are plenty of interesting items for all ages and it's free to enter.
karowys
01.02.2025

A good place to learn more about Bristol's history, local communities, and areas.
Mike Horne
30.01.2025

It is a business venue, but the overall facilities were okay and the food was good.
Mark lewis
29.01.2025

I wasn't very impressed. I took my grandson there and there were too many screens and too much reading, which we both found tedious and boring. It didn't have much of a wow factor, but it was free and passed the time. I probably wouldn't rush back.
Owen H
29.01.2025

An amazing place to go if you're looking for lost Bristol history. On the plus side, it's free.
Ambivert Hero
25.01.2025

Like Bristol itself, it's interesting, charming, but a bit disorganized. Great that it's free!
Leon Leslie
24.01.2025

The receptionist was very informative and friendly! I look forward to another visit.
Mara
31.01.2018

Always lovely to visit!
Dhiresh Mistry
19.01.2025

M Shed is a museum in Bristol, England, situated on Prince's Wharf near the Floating Harbour in a dockside transit shed that used to be occupied by Bristol Industrial Museum. The museum showcases 3,000 artifacts and stories, highlighting Bristol's involvement in the slave trade, as well as exhibits on transport, people, and the arts. Entry is free.
Paul Holmes
14.01.2025

Free entry and the entire place is fantastic, definitely worth a visit.
David Bulpitt
08.01.2025

This is a fascinating place with items from all over the area and of various types, from romantic altars to mad micro-aircraft. To top it off, it showcases very thought-provoking social histories.
Chris Coggins
05.01.2025

I lived in Bristol until I was 18, and now at 66 I return maybe every 4 to 6 weeks for shopping trips, but I had never been to the M Shed. I found it extremely informative and enjoyed discovering the history of the areas of Bristol that I was familiar with.
Kevin Harrison
04.01.2025

Great history of the surroundings.
Petra Zagar
01.01.2025

Great exhibition showcasing Bristol's development. There is no entrance fee, only donations. The layout of exhibits is interesting. Although it may look messy at first glance, there is a thread connecting everything and many benches to sit and rest.
EL DL
31.12.2024

A very good museum on Bristol's history, with the added bonus of a temporary exhibition on the history of the fight for disability rights (August 2024).
JW
30.12.2024

A free and interesting museum!
Tom Morris
30.12.2024

The ground floor exhibits are quite dated and confusingly arranged, making it difficult to follow a cohesive story about Bristol's history. The more recent installations upstairs are better, but can be confusing with many broken exhibits. However, it's free, with many charming objects and some good text.
Hossein Sadri
28.12.2024

A small but quite comprehensive museum of Bristol's history. It is a family-friendly venue. I enjoyed seeing some pieces from recent historical events, including XR Bristol and Black Lives Matter protests.

 

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