Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery is the largest Museum and art gallery in the region and is guaranteed to inspire. The building itself is an Edwardian Baroque building and is impressive to view in itself. Once inside, the permanent display consists of an interesting and varied display of objects, from sea dinosaurs to breath taking art. You can visit Egypt, learn more about British mammals and birds, view a freshwater aquarium, view the current exhibition and enjoy refreshments in the café all on the ground floor. Moving up through the building brings sea dragons, maps of Bristol, fossils and more on British wildlife and world wildlife. The top floor brings the art galleries displaying old masters and modern art and much more. There are collections of regional, national and international importance. In addition to the marvellous permanent display, the museum has a busy schedule when it comes to its ever changing exhibition programme. This may just be why the museum has been awarded designated status by the government, a mark of an outstanding museum.

 

 

The most talked about exhibition held at the museum so far is undoubtedly the Banksy exhibition held this summer 2009. With thousands of people waiting for hours in ques to see his works of art hung on the wall, its no doubt it has been the talk of the town for some time. The exhibition was kept secret, even from the Bristol City Council Chiefs until the day before it was due to open. It has been described by the museum staff as a big risk, which is unsurprising when you consider Bristols love hate relationship with the graffiti artist. However the risk was worth taking, with over 100 of Banksys art pieces hanging in one of Bristols historic settings, and thousands of residents and visitors coming to see them.

 

     

The museum is open 7 days a week from 10am until 5pm and entry is free. There is an accessible toilet and wheelchairs available for use. There is a lift to most floors, and a loop system available at reception if required.