Located at the top of Park Street and the bottom of Whiteladies Road in Clifton, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is a Bristol cultural gem that transports its visitors to other worlds and time periods. The museum and art gallery features world-class collections, from dinosaurs and gems to magnificent fine art and Egyptian artefacts all across three floors. It is a breathtaking Bristol landmark brimming with so much art and culture.
Best of all, it’s free entry all year long! So, don’t miss out on exploring its 19 galleries and find out more about the complexities of the world. With just around a 10-minute walk from the city centre, several bus numbers travelling past the museum, and plenty of city car parks nearby, getting here shouldn’t prove too difficult either!
Facts, Curiosities and Interesting Things about The Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
1. A well-rounded display
Over three floors, the enchanting Bristol Museum and Art Gallery offers an insight into human nature, ancient civilisations and the rich animal world. Discover Ancient Egypt and Assyria, a huge fossil collection, shiny and glistening minerals, gemstones and crystals including the Bristol Diamond and even the Bristol Scelidosaurus! For art lovers and connoisseurs, the second floor boasts an incredible collection of works by Bellini, Pissarro, Renoir and Cranach, as well as glittery silver, porcelain, ceramic and glass galleries.
2. More than a museum and gallery
Its desirable spacious halls are used for a number of events such as weddings, dinner and receptions, concerts, parties and celebrations. The free museum and art gallery also offers loads of learning opportunities, with different workshops, online resources and learning events available to schools, groups of students and anyone who wishes to dive in the rich tapestry of the museum.
3. Frederick Wills didn’t disapoint
The Edwardian Baroque building was designed by Frederick Wills and has a large hall with barrel-vaulted glazed roofs, separated by a double staircase and adorned by lavish chandeliers. Due to its grandeur that drew upon the Classical, Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles, it comes as no surprise that the museum is such a highly sought-after space.
What can you do at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery?
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am-5pm, there are so many marvellous things to see at the museum. Discover Egyptian mummies, catch a glimpse of Alfred the Gorilla, and explore the spectacular art galleries. The Bristol Museum and Art Gallery also hosts an array of events, including summer walks exploring the city’s medieval heritage and hands-on workshops focused on palaeontology.
Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is a prime venue for exhibitions, events and concerts, but none have been draped in gorgeous candlelight quite like when it hosted a series of magical tribute concerts to some of the most iconic artists. Although Candlelight concerts at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery are no longer an option, Fever’s original series has found a new home at other spectacular venues in Bristol.