M Shed
A free city museum in a converted old dockside warehouse, telling the story of Bristol's people, port and the slave trade. Historic harbour cranes stand outside.
M Shed is on Princes Wharf in the Floating Harbour. Converted from a 1950s transit shed and opened in 2011, it offers free admission. The three-floor galleries are organized around three themes: People of Bristol, Life in Bristol and Places of Bristol. Exhibits range from old buses and street art to displays on the Atlantic slave trade and the 2020 toppling of the Colston statue, making it a great starting point for understanding the city. Outside on the wharf, four electric cranes, a steam tugboat and an old train are preserved, and some run on weekends. The rooftop terrace offers panoramic views over the harbour, free of charge. It is generally open Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays (except during school holidays).
Opening hours
Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00; closed Mondays
Nearby sights
- Wapping Wharf & Cargo
- Bristol Harbourside
- We The Curious
- Bristol Cathedral
- Bristol Old Vic
- Banksy's Well Hung Lover
- St Mary Redcliffe
- St Nicholas Market