Frequently asked questions Q. Why do we need a museum about Bristol?There has been no major museum in Bristol dedicated to the history of the city prior to M Shed opening. Bristol now has a leading museum of city life which explores Bristol’s past and present. Q. Who has paid for M Shed?M Shed has been made possible due to a grant of £10.2 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and generous support from Bristol City Council; Renaissance South West; the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council; and local supporters. See our funding information for more details. Q. What is there to see in M Shed?M Shed presents a fascinating range of exhibits, displays, and objects from our leading collections which explore the full history of the city. Bristol Museums, Galleries and Archives nationally important collections reflect and explore the full history of the city. You can also read the personal stories and memories of people who have lived and worked in Bristol across time, and submit your own story too. M Shed also provides the chance for local people to get involved in debate about local issues affecting their neighbourhoods, communities, and the wider city. In addition, the museum provides education spaces and volunteer facilities; train sheds and workshops; a café, gift shop and conferencing facilities. Q. Who is M Shed for?It’s for everyone – no matter how old or young you are, or how familiar with Bristol you are. It's a fun, stimulating and exiciting place for everyone to visit. We've worked closely with the people of Bristol and specialists in developing the displays and exhibits for the museum to ensure they’re relevant. We also listened to advisory panels and audience groups to ensure that M Shed tells the stories people are interested in, in ways that are engaging and enjoyable. We continue to work in this way, to contnue to develop the displays, even though the museum is open. Q. How much does it cost to visit?Nothing! Entrance to all Bristol Museums, Galleries and Archives sites is free. Q. Was the old Industrial Museum knocked down to make way for the new museum?No. The old Industrial Museum transit sheds at Princes Wharf house the new museum. The redevelopment was a great opportunity to restore the existing buildings which are among the few remaining 1950s industrial warehouses in the country. We preserved as much of the external facade and character of the buildings as we could whilst creating a modern interior. A stunning glass rooftop gallery, sympathetic to the building, with views across the city centre and a roof terrace has also been added. The whole development has provided a much-needed investment in the docks. The design for M Shed was developed by internationally-renowned architects LAB Architecture Studios in consultation with the public and key specialist groups interested in the conservation of the docks. Furthermore we have incoporated about 200 objects (including large transport items) from the Industrial Museum displays. Q. How does M Shed relate to Bristol Museum & Art Gallery on Queen’s Road?M Shed is not a replacement for Bristol Museum & Art Gallery but complements it with different collections and a different approach to display. Bristol Museum and Art Gallery displays different collections: natural history, world cultures, geology and art. It seeks to showcase the breadth of human creativity and to exhibit worldwide as well as local matreial. Both Bristol Museum & Art Gallery and M Shed are part of the family of museums provided by Bristol City Council – the others include the Georgian House, Red Lodge, and Blaise Castle House Museum. Q. How about the boats, trains and cranes?These are an important part of M Shed, and give visitors the chance to take steam train and boat rides around the docks and to discover how to operate a crane and discover more about the rich dockside heritage. Q. Do you still need personal contributions for the museum?Yes. We have been inviting the people of Bristol to contribute their stories and memories to M Shed. We’ve had a great response but are always happy to receive more. Q. Is M Shed fun for children?Yes, definitely. As well as bringing the history of Bristol to life for our younger visitors, M Shed also offers taught sessions and independent visits for schools. Gallery activities and displays created especially for children enable them to learn whilst having fun. There are learning rooms, a cafe and all the facilities necessary for great family and school visits. Q. Is there any car parking?In line with government policy to reduce reliance on private vehicles and to encourage greater use of public transport, there is no general public parking provided by the museum. However, currently there is an indepently provided car park adjacent to M Shed on Princes Street and other car parks and metered parking close by. Disabled parking spaces are available I the adjacent car park off Princes Street. The museum is centrally placed on the harbourside and is only a five minute walk from the city centre. There are good public transport links via the bus and ferry services.
Q. Why do we need a museum about Bristol?There has been no major museum in Bristol dedicated to the history of the city prior to M Shed opening. Bristol now has a leading museum of city life which explores Bristol’s past and present. Q. Who has paid for M Shed?M Shed has been made possible due to a grant of £10.2 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and generous support from Bristol City Council; Renaissance South West; the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council; and local supporters. See our funding information for more details. Q. What is there to see in M Shed?M Shed presents a fascinating range of exhibits, displays, and objects from our leading collections which explore the full history of the city. Bristol Museums, Galleries and Archives nationally important collections reflect and explore the full history of the city. You can also read the personal stories and memories of people who have lived and worked in Bristol across time, and submit your own story too. M Shed also provides the chance for local people to get involved in debate about local issues affecting their neighbourhoods, communities, and the wider city. In addition, the museum provides education spaces and volunteer facilities; train sheds and workshops; a café, gift shop and conferencing facilities. Q. Who is M Shed for?It’s for everyone – no matter how old or young you are, or how familiar with Bristol you are. It's a fun, stimulating and exiciting place for everyone to visit. We've worked closely with the people of Bristol and specialists in developing the displays and exhibits for the museum to ensure they’re relevant. We also listened to advisory panels and audience groups to ensure that M Shed tells the stories people are interested in, in ways that are engaging and enjoyable. We continue to work in this way, to contnue to develop the displays, even though the museum is open. Q. How much does it cost to visit?Nothing! Entrance to all Bristol Museums, Galleries and Archives sites is free. Q. Was the old Industrial Museum knocked down to make way for the new museum?No. The old Industrial Museum transit sheds at Princes Wharf house the new museum. The redevelopment was a great opportunity to restore the existing buildings which are among the few remaining 1950s industrial warehouses in the country. We preserved as much of the external facade and character of the buildings as we could whilst creating a modern interior. A stunning glass rooftop gallery, sympathetic to the building, with views across the city centre and a roof terrace has also been added. The whole development has provided a much-needed investment in the docks. The design for M Shed was developed by internationally-renowned architects LAB Architecture Studios in consultation with the public and key specialist groups interested in the conservation of the docks. Furthermore we have incoporated about 200 objects (including large transport items) from the Industrial Museum displays. Q. How does M Shed relate to Bristol Museum & Art Gallery on Queen’s Road?M Shed is not a replacement for Bristol Museum & Art Gallery but complements it with different collections and a different approach to display. Bristol Museum and Art Gallery displays different collections: natural history, world cultures, geology and art. It seeks to showcase the breadth of human creativity and to exhibit worldwide as well as local matreial. Both Bristol Museum & Art Gallery and M Shed are part of the family of museums provided by Bristol City Council – the others include the Georgian House, Red Lodge, and Blaise Castle House Museum. Q. How about the boats, trains and cranes?These are an important part of M Shed, and give visitors the chance to take steam train and boat rides around the docks and to discover how to operate a crane and discover more about the rich dockside heritage. Q. Do you still need personal contributions for the museum?Yes. We have been inviting the people of Bristol to contribute their stories and memories to M Shed. We’ve had a great response but are always happy to receive more. Q. Is M Shed fun for children?Yes, definitely. As well as bringing the history of Bristol to life for our younger visitors, M Shed also offers taught sessions and independent visits for schools. Gallery activities and displays created especially for children enable them to learn whilst having fun. There are learning rooms, a cafe and all the facilities necessary for great family and school visits. Q. Is there any car parking?In line with government policy to reduce reliance on private vehicles and to encourage greater use of public transport, there is no general public parking provided by the museum. However, currently there is an indepently provided car park adjacent to M Shed on Princes Street and other car parks and metered parking close by. Disabled parking spaces are available I the adjacent car park off Princes Street. The museum is centrally placed on the harbourside and is only a five minute walk from the city centre. There are good public transport links via the bus and ferry services.