Bristol’s free museums and archives

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Bristol's stories

From Black history to Banksy, explore stories about Bristol and the world through the city’s objects, art and people.

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Explore our collections

Our first collections were brought together more than 200 years ago and we’ve been adding ot them ever since. From art to archaeology, history to industry, the natural and wider world, they are amongst the UK’s finest.

In 2012, the collections of the former British Empire and Commonwealth Museum were transferred to the care of Bristol Museums. Since then, we’ve been working to photograph and digitise the vast collection.

Explore our extensive museum collections

Browse our nationally and internationally important collections.

Visit our collection search

Search the collections at Bristol Archives

Discover the archives of the city of Bristol and surrounding areas.

Visit our online catalogue

British Empire & Commonwealth Collection

Photographs, films, personal papers, sound recordings and objects.

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Exhibitions online

Never miss an exhibition again! Catch up on current and past exhibitions and displays at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, M Shed and Bristol Archives.

Browse our exhibitions

Bristol Museums Blog

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Support the Museums today

From conserving a stunning painting to running workshops to inspire the artists of tomorrow, your donations really do make a difference. Thank you.

Find out how you can help