John Wesley’s New Room
With a National Art Pass you get
The more you see, the more we do.
The National Art Pass lets you enjoy free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, while raising money to support them.
Discover the world’s oldest Methodist building in the centre of Bristol, where three hundred years ago, cleric, theologian and evangelist John Wesley started a mission that sparked a worldwide movement.
Alongside his brother Charles, John Wesley founded the Methodist Movement as a denomination of Protestant Christianity in the 18th century, with the Room becoming a central hub for the earliest Methodist society. The museum tells the fascinating story of John and Charles Wesley, examining how the idea of social justice for all, a key part of their message, is a sentiment that remains pertinent today.
Nestled amongst the shops in Broadmead, John Wesley’s New Room is home to a historic chapel, a museum, a reference library and a café where everyone is welcome to explore, step back, reconnect and recharge. Take a moment to enjoy the calm of the 18th-century chapel or discover important stories from Bristol’s history inside the museum, from the anti-slavery movement to healthcare, welfare rights, education and more.
The collection includes many original objects and furnishings dating back to the 18th century, as well as interactive displays for further insights. Guided tours are available, and the museum runs a dynamic programme of events and activities throughout the year.
Why you should go
See the oldest Methodist building in the world
Explore how the Methodist movement began and its relevance today
Discover a key area of Bristol's history
