M Shed Verified listing

M Shed is Bristol’s museum of social and industrial history, located on the city’s Harbourside in a converted 1950s transit shed. Opened in 2011 as part of the regeneration of the waterfront, it tells the story of Bristol and its people from prehistoric times to the present day. The building’s name preserves its original dockside designation—“M Shed”—and its design retains many of the industrial features of the working port, blending them with modern galleries and public spaces.

Inside, the museum is organised into three main themes: People, Place, and Life. Exhibits cover everything from Bristol’s role in the transatlantic slave trade and its maritime heritage to local music, art, industry, and activism. Objects range from everyday items and personal stories to large-scale artefacts like vintage double-decker buses, a WWII Bristol Bolingbroke bomber, and restored cranes. Many displays incorporate oral histories, films, and interactive elements, making the experience engaging for visitors of all ages.

Outside, M Shed maintains a fleet of historic working exhibits along the quayside, including the electric cranes, steam tug Mayflower, and the historic cargo ship Pyronaut. On special days, these are brought to life for the public, adding a dynamic, living-history element to the museum’s mission. With free admission, a strong focus on community narratives, and a prime waterfront location, M Shed serves as both a vibrant cultural hub and a collective memory bank for the city of Bristol.