M Shed

Fantastic free museum - thought provoking, interesting and fun. Some really important historic moments showcased in a unique and accessible way. Really well laid out, lots of areas to rest and a very nice gift shop. In a lovely location on the harbour, easy to get around. Would highly recommend it if you're in the area!

A must-see in Bristol! M Shed is a fantastic museum that tells the story of the city through powerful exhibits, personal stories, and interactive displays. From Bristol’s industrial past to its music scene and social history, it’s all here. The location by the harbourside is lovely, and the outdoor displays (like old cranes and boats) add so much character. Free entry, and lots to explore—highly recommended whether you’re a local or just visiting!

The museum was very informative with lots of interesting facts on Bristol and its surrounding area. I would budgit 1hr for the museum. The cafe attached was nice and clean and was serving light meals and drinks. I had a vegan sausage roll and tea. The sausage roll was nice. Following this, outside was the steam train running on the dockside, so I had a return trip behind an industrial steam locomotive. (See photos).

I’m glad I visited M Shed in Bristol! The exhibition on protests and social concerns was especially impactful—thought-provoking and well-curated. It’s a great space to explore the history of Bristol and its role in shaping society. The gift shop was pretty ace, offering some unique items, though a little modernization in the offerings wouldn’t hurt. Overall, it was a fantastic experience, and I’d definitely recommend a visit!

Brilliant museum loved the way things were set ..little bits of everything but not on place concentrated onto single subject to make it ...well not suitable for an academic wanting all the info in one place

We had a wonderful day out at the M Shed, there was so much to look at and reading all about the history of Bristol and its people was fascinating. Plenty of interesting and eye catching exhibits to read, especially all of the Civil Rights and BLM information panels and displays. We took a ride on the steam train which was fantastic as well, only a short trip but gave us excellent views of the harbour.

Very beautiful and informative museum about more than 1000 years history of Bristol and how it transfromed. Although the museum is free to visit but don't forget to donate. Museum is open Tuesday-Sunday and there is old steam engine train by the docks for tiurists at a nominal price of 5 pound ticket. It shows the shipping and railway link and how the good and people were transported during the era of British empire.

Had great experiences here! Very informative in terms of Bristol history, milestones, Bristol people and changes over time. The section regarding Black people's history/stories was profound and thought-provoking. I wasn't able to go through everything carefully and yet still spent quite a lot of time here and had fun!

This is a neat little museum that gives a high level overview on the history of Bristol. We stopped in to pass time before we had to catch our flight. Took about 30-40 mins of exploring. There were a lot of kids in the place but the exhibits are geared for all ages.

Great museum this- on the harbourside, which is always fun to wander around, it contains a lovely (and free) insight into Bristol and its history. I loved the double decker bus you can go onto, and the bomb shelters, complete with commentary from locals who'd had to use them. There are some good exhibitions here about local neighbourhoods, which might be slightly less interesting if you don't know them. Mshed is a good size to have a quick peek around, or to spend a bit more time with the exhibitions. There's a nice harbour view from upstairs, too. And you can buy Bristol things from the shop.

The m shed is a fantastic community resource and really showcases everything that's great about bristol, my city of which I am incredibly proud. It doesn't shy away from bristol's darker history either. It's brilliant for kids, really interactive with lots of things to touch, play with and do for children of all ages, my little girl is only 19 months and she loves running around, playing on the bus, looking out of the windows at the harbour side, playing in the little play shop and generally having lots of fun, I could spend a good couple of hours there with her. There is a very nice little cafe which sells a good selection of food and drink and refreshingly the food is really nutritious and healthy. The best thing about the M Shed is that it is free for everyone, I always make a donation as I leave though. I feel incredibly lucky to live in a wonderful city where we have so many fantastic places to take our children and the m shed is one of the best!

Having visited on Sunday and subsequently read the other reviews, I do feel that they were terribly harsh. Excellent location in Bristols groove-some dock area and a museum that was colourful, varied and, I felt, correctly showed Bristol as the vibrant city it so clearly is. Loved the photo galleries, the oak panelling from various old building and (Evil Dead fans!) a book made of human skin!!! I would happily recommend M Shed, I know exhibits aren't all in glass cabinets, in order and in line but, hey!, that's WHY we liked it

I have taken my family to the M Shed on a couple of occasions now. The first time, I did not think it would have been suitable for my children (aged 2 and 3), as I thought what is on display would be too grown up for them. However, as it is free to get in, it was worth a shot to get them all out of the house on a rainy Sunday! As it turns out, they found plenty to enjoy, even if they didn't understand it all fully. They were fascinated by getting on and off of the old bus, liked finding out more about the suspension bridge and liked listening in on all the telephones dotted around the place. While you save money on getting in, take note that you can end up spending a lot of of it in the cafe!