Places Of Interest - Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1RL
Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is one of the top cultural attractions in the UK. The city's collections are varied and interesting, ranging from fossils to an Egyptian caravan. The Museum of Archaeology contains pieces of ancient art and history, while the Museum of Art showcases artwork by local boy Banksy. The exhibitions at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery are free to visit.
Extinction Silences explores legacies of colonial violence
The exhibition Extinction Silences explores the legacies of colonial violence by looking at the repercussions of colonial violence on wildlife. The exhibition takes place at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, which was originally founded as the Bristol Institution in 1823. The current museum has a modern twist on its original design. The exhibit includes interactive elements such as an extinction tree, which encourages visitors to contribute ideas by writing on its leaves.
While Extinction Silences explores the legacies of colonial violence, it fails to address the role of racism in species loss. One panel, describing the story of Anne and Henry orangutans, states that the animals were brought from the wild in 1947. The exhibit also misses the opportunity to talk about the indigenous people of Borneo, their struggles and the pressures facing their environment.
Collection of Egyptian antiquities
The Collection of Egyptian antiquities at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is housed in the Museum's ancient Egyptian section. There are two windows with brightly lit displays. In one window you can see a drawing from the Egypt Exploration Society's archives, and the other displays an object donated by the EEF. On the other window, you'll see a shabti suspended from a rod between two mirrors. The object was purchased by the Museum in 1905 and put on display the following year. The missing piece is a foot, and has not been repaired yet.
When Bristol Museum was originally built, it was a former army reserve drill hall. The new building plans incorporated three-fifths of the former building's space, but the war interrupted these plans. Instead of an upper museum room, the building's new Egyptian Room became a reading room and a special demonstration room. Later, the Drill Hall was demolished to make way for a rearward extension of the Art Gallery.
Exhibitions at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
Visitors to the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery can enjoy an array of exhibits from a wide range of genres. The Museum of Archaeology houses fossils and Romany caravans, while the Museum of Art features artworks from local boy Banksy. The museum also holds numerous special exhibitions throughout the year.
The museum is home to an extensive programme of events for both free and paid visitors. These include paid multi-week exhibitions, workshop sessions, and drop-in gallery curator talks. The museum also hosts annual events such as Chinese New Year celebrations, including a martial arts demonstration, storytelling, and arts and crafts activities. In addition, you can view a replica Bristol Biplane - a plane made in 1963 for a movie - in the main hall.
Free admission
Free admission to Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is a great way to experience Bristol's rich history, art, and culture. The museum features a collection of Romany caravans, fossils, and artwork by local boy Banksy. Visitors can also take part in special events.
The Bristol Museum and Art Gallery offers a number of exciting exhibits including Egyptian and Assyrian art, works by the masters, and more. There are rotating exhibits, as well as artefacts and statuary, and even a special Day of the Dead exhibit! Admission to the museum is free and the gallery offers a range of events for all ages.
