M Shed

To locate the M Shed, head for the four huge electric cranes that stand on the dockside, these were used to load and unload cargo during the 1950s. Beside the cranes is the former transit shed that houses this fabulous museum. Inside the museum the exhibitions give the visitor a fascinating insight to the social and cultural history of Bristol through interactive displays and stories from people who lived in the city. Children are given a huge welcome here. They can dress up and clamber on board the double-decker bus, find out what it was like inside a World War 2 bomb shelter and make their own sound in the Bristol Sound interactive area. The giant floor map delights both adults and children who can often be seen crawling around the floor locating various places of interest .

Outside the museum from April to October the working exhibits come to life including:

The Pyronaut, a fireboat built in Bristol in 1934 that played an important part in fighting fires in the docks for about 40 years.

The Mayflower steam tug.

The John King, a diesel tug.

Henbury and Portbury, two restored steam trains.

The Fairburn steam crane and electric cranes.

Please see the events section of this website for opening dates for the working exhibits.

Enjoy refreshments in the M Shed Cafe
 and browse the gift shop for unusual Bristol themed sovenirs.

M Shed is one of several museums run by Bristol City Council, all of which are free to visit.

Photographs by N Hindmarch