Bristol Places

Bristol Places

Bristol Places focuses on the physical and dynamic city - the ways that people have shaped and experienced the city and continue to do so.

It highlights how and why Bristol has transformed over time, how people have developed various ways in which to move around it and showcases some amazing discoveries that have been made in and around the city.

• Discover how Bristol prepared for and endured the second World War

• Meet Bristol's very own dinosaur Thecodontosaurus

• Marvel at stories of buried treasure and then uncover it for yourself

• See the variety of different vehicles we've used to travel around the city including trains, buses and planes

• Learn about how the homes we live in and how the places we work in have changed over time

• Learn about extraordinary discoveries in the city

• Find out how we have moved around the city

• Discover the history of commerce in the city

Bristol People

Bristol People

The Bristol People gallery on the First Floor explores the activities past and present that make Bristol, Bristol. The main themes are creating, trading, challenging and celebrating:

• Discover things created in Bristol from music and art to industry and technology

• Learn about the city's trading past and international links

• Find out about Bristol's involvement in the Transatlantic Slave Trade

• Immerse yourself in one of the many festivals, events and celebrations held in the city

• Explore how Bristol people have challenged for their rights over time

Bristol Life

Bristol Life

The Bristol Life Gallery on the first floor explores people's shared experiences in the city - from the momentous to the everyday, whether out on the town, attending a sports event or chatting to a neighbour.

Visitors can see, hear and share stories and enjoy the amazing views from the gallery's window on the city.

• Encounter the unusual, the routine, the fun and occasionally moving ways in which people have experienced their city over the centuries.
• Find out how Bristol families have lived, learned, worked and socialised.
• Discover how and why people moved to Bristol and the challenges they have faced.
• Explore how we have enjoyed ourselves in Bristol.

Exhibition Gallery

Exhibition Gallery

The state of the art exhibition gallery, on the top floor, hosts a wide-ranging programme of events and exhibitions from community events to national touring exhibitions.

Visit our What's on page to find out about current and upcoming exhibitions.