Why we're different

Hot air balloons over gallery
Bristol People gallery balloons © PhotoDabek

The words museum, fusty, dusty and boring often seem to be used together - but not in Bristol! 

Bristol museums have been shown to have one of the highest rates of repeat visit anywhere in the UK.  Why do people keep coming back?  Because we have wonderful buildings and collections and we run excellent programmes of temporary exhibitions, events and activities.

Did you experience the Banksy queue? Banksy vs Bristol Museum was the most talked about exhibition of 2009, a cutting edge experience pushing the boundaries and taking a fresh look at museums and art.  With M Shed opening in 2011 again Bristolians and the visiting public can see a new type of display which in this case holds up a mirror to contemporary society, makes tangible links across the centuries and which involves and represents people in ways not seen before.

In all that we do we try and consult and involve people in the city so that we are tailoring our services to be the most efficient and relevant to what you - the user of our services - want most.  It is important for us to receive feedback, good and bad, so that we can continue to improve, innovate and strive for excellence.

Museums are places which encapsulate our society and its culture, are places to relax in, to study and learn, to be amazed and surprised, to be shocked and moved in but above all should be places to enjoy and value.  We hope we do that for you.

If you would like to find out more or possibly to help and volunteer with us then please contact us by phone, e-mail or letter.