Top Things To Do In Bristol Museum & Art Gallery (Bristol) In 2026 - 2027

Top 10 things to do in Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

1. 1. Permanent Exhibitions Tour

   Explore the vast array of permanent exhibitions at the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery. The museum boasts a multitude of artifacts and exhibits that highlight natural history, art, archaeology, and geology. From ancient Egyptian mummies to stunning paintings and contemporary art installations, there's something for everyone. Delve into the world of dinosaurs with impressive fossils, marvel at the beautiful collection of minerals, and learn about Bristol's rich history through its various displays. As you walk through the museum, you'll encounter both local and international history, art from various time periods, and educational interactive displays. The museum's permanent exhibitions are a testament to the cultural richness and diversity of its collections.

   Duration: 2-3 hours · Price: Free

2. 2. Art Lovers’ Highlights Tour

   Join the Art Lovers' Highlights Tour to immerse yourself in the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery's impressive collection of fine arts. This guided tour takes you through selected masterpieces of painting and sculpture from the Renaissance period to modern art. Experienced guides share fascinating insights about the artists' lives, historical contexts, and artistic movements. You'll get a closer look at works by Pissarro, Renoir, and Bellini, among others. Whether you have a keen interest in art history or simply appreciate beautiful works, this tour is designed to deepen your understanding of the stories behind each piece, making your visit an engaging and enlightening experience.

   Duration: 1-1.5 hours · Price: Free, donations welcome

3. 3. Family Discovery Trails

   The Family Discovery Trails at the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery provide an exciting learning experience for families with children. These self-led trails encourage families to work together, solve clues, and uncover secrets throughout the museum. Designed to make the visit educational and entertaining, each trail will engage kids with interactive activities that help connect them to the exhibits in a meaningful way. As families journey through the museum's collection, they'll be challenged with fun quizzes, drawing tasks, and observation tasks, ensuring that children of all ages leave with new knowledge and happy memories of their time spent exploring the world of art and history.

   Duration: 1-2 hours · Price: Free

4. 4. Curator Talks and Workshops

   Attend the informative Curator Talks and Workshops at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery for an in-depth look at special topics related to the museum's collections. These sessions are led by experts in various fields, such as archaeology, natural history, or art history, and provide visitors with a unique opportunity to learn directly from the source. Through these talks and workshops, you'll gain new insights into specific exhibits, learn about the latest research, and experience hands-on activities. Each session is tailored to a particular interest, ensuring that participants leave with a broadened understanding and a greater appreciation for the intricacies of the collections they have explored.

   Duration: 1-2 hours · Price: Varies, some free, others may have a fee

5. 5. Photography Exhibition Tour

   The Photography Exhibition Tour at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery showcases the best of local, national, and international photography. Visitors will have the chance to explore visual narratives that connect with themes ranging from social documentary and landscape to conceptual photography and portraits. The tour includes commentary that provides context about the photographers, their techniques, and the stories behind their compelling images. This tour is a wonderful destination for photography aficionados as well as anyone interested in the power of images to tell stories and evoke emotions. Seasonal and traveling exhibitions ensure that there are always new works to discover and discuss.

   Duration: 1-1.5 hours · Price: Free, certain special exhibitions may require an entry fee

6. 6. Lunchtime Lecture Series

   The Lunchtime Lecture Series at the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery invites visitors to enjoy a range of subjects presented by specialists and guest speakers. These midday talks cover a variety of topics from the museum's diverse collections and exhibitions, as well as discussions on broader historical and cultural issues. These lectures are an excellent way to engage with the material on a deeper level, and they provide an intellectual feast for anyone looking to expand their knowledge during their lunch break. Whether you are a local professional, a tourist, or a dedicated museum-goer, these lectures add a rich supplementary layer to your museum visit.

   Duration: 45-60 minutes · Price: Free, seating is on a first-come-first-served basis

7. 7. Egyptology Hands-on Sessions

   Delve into the mystique of ancient Egypt with the Egyptology Hands-on Sessions. These interactive workshops allow you to handle replicas and sometimes real artifacts from the museum's Egyptology collection. Led by knowledgeable staff, you'll learn about the daily life, religious practices, and funerary customs of ancient Egyptians. Sessions might include activities like writing your name in hieroglyphs, learning about mummification processes, or discovering the significance of various Egyptian gods and goddesses. These tactile experiences complement the museum's Egyptology exhibits, making them more accessible and engaging, especially for younger visitors.

   Duration: 1-2 hours · Price: Free or small fee, depending on the session

8. 8. After-Hours Events

   Experience the enchantment of Bristol Museum & Art Gallery after the sun sets during one of their special after-hours events. These exclusive evenings could involve special themed events, live performances, workshops, and talks, all taking place within the unique setting of the museum at night. Visitors can enjoy a mix of culture and entertainment, often including food and drink, providing a sophisticated and novel museum experience. Each event offers a different twist on the usual daytime visits, whether it's a night of art and music or a quiet evening exploring the exhibits in a new light.

   Duration: Varies · Price: Varies, ticket prices depend on the event

9. 9. Behind-the-Scenes Tours

   The Behind-the-Scenes Tours at the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery provide a unique glimpse into areas of the museum typically closed to the general public. Participants are guided through the museum's storage areas and conservation labs, where they can see how artifacts are preserved, restored, and prepared for display. These tours offer a fascinating look at the immense effort and care involved in maintaining a museum's collection. You'll meet staff and volunteers who are passionate about their work and get to ask questions about the inner workings of a major museum. This is a must-attend activity for anyone interested in museum careers or the behind-the-scenes aspects of museum stewardship.

   Duration: Approx. 1 hour · Price: May have a fee, varies by tour

10. 10. Seasonal Craft Workshops

    Seasonal Craft Workshops at the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery invite visitors to express their creativity while learning new skills. Tied to different times of the year, such as Christmas, Easter, or Halloween, these workshops offer a variety of activities, from ornament making to costume design. You'll use a range of materials and techniques to create your own take-home masterpieces. Instructors guide participants step by step, making these workshops suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced crafters. They also provide an enjoyable way to engage with the seasons and holidays in a cultural and educational venue.

    Duration: 1-3 hours · Price: Varies, typically a small fee for materials