City Guide

Museums, art galleries and exhibitions in Bristol

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
© Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

Looking for art galleries in Bristol? The art and architecture of Bristol reflect its eventful history as a thriving port city.

See everything from country houses like Tyntesfield to ambitious contemporary art at the Arnolfini, to the Martin Parr Foundation or the RWA. Bristol museums and galleries have something for everyone to enjoy.

Start planning the perfect day in Bristol by finding the right art gallery or museum for you.

Must-see Bristol museums

Places to visit in Bristol with your National Art Pass
Museum

Blaise Museum

Bristol
South West
10% off in shop
Museum

John Wesley’s New Room

Bristol
South West
50% off entry
Museum

The Red Lodge Museum

Bristol
South West
10% off in shop
Museum

Tyntesfield

Bristol
South West
Free entry
Museum

Georgian House Museum

Bristol
South West
10% off in shop
Museum

M Shed

Bristol
South West
10% off in shop
Museum

The Stradling Collection

Bristol
South West
Free entry
Museum

Arnolfini

Art Fund Museum of the Year
Find out more
2016 finalist
Bristol
South West
See all museums
A Domestic Scene in Chorlton (2023), Sarah-Joy Ford. Quilted fabric. 
Sarah-Joy Ford

Popular Bristol exhibitions

Visit these exhibitions in Bristol with your National Art Pass

Exhibition

Soft Power: lives told through...

17 May - 10 August 2025
RWA (Royal West of England Academy)
Bristol
50% off exhibitions
Exhibition

Barbara Walker: Being Here

8 March - 25 May 2025
Arnolfini
Bristol
Last chance
10% off in shop
See all exhibitions

Upcoming events

Make, play and learn at events in Bristol
Family

May Half Term Fun: Shadow Pupp...

28 May 2025
Enjoy a puppet show which leads into a workshop to make simple puppets who will join the M...
John Wesley’s New Room
Bristol
Special Event

Folk at the New Room: Bird Tun...

19 June 2025
Acoustic folk from multi-instrumental Bristol trio with music that encompasses a cinematic...
John Wesley’s New Room
Bristol
Special Event

Folk at the New Room: Catherin...

29 May 2025
Acoustic folk from multi-instrumental Bristol trio with music that encompasses a cinematic...
John Wesley’s New Room
Bristol
See all events

Get inspired

Recommendations for your next day out
Recommendations

gal-dem's picks: Unmissable exhibitions to see this Black History Month

From archival films to activists reimagined, here’s a nationwide guide for art, film and fashion-related shows to indulge in this October and...
Read More
20 Oct 2022
Recommendations

Five of the best gallery bars

From cocktails to craft beers to a bite to eat. We take a look at some of the best places to refresh yourself after drinking in all that art.
Read More
7 Nov 2016
Podcast

Caleb Azumah Nelson at Bristol...

21 Oct 2021
Writer and photographer Caleb Azumah Nelson visits Bristol Museum & Art Gallery with h...
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
Bristol
Listen now
The green brick front of a photography gallery, photographs visible on the walls inside
Recommendations

See the world in focus: five must-see photography collections

Take a closer look at our top photography collections across the UK.
Read More
24 Apr 2025
Adam Buxton at the Courtauld Gallery in London
Recommendations

Adam Buxton shares museum and gallery wish list

Comedian and podcaster Adam Buxton picks five UK museums and galleries he's keen to visit with his National Art Pass.
Read More
10 Jun 2018
See all features

© Art Fund 2025. “Art Fund” is the operating name of the National Art Collections Fund, a charity registered in England and Wales (209174) and Scotland (SC038331)