The Best Contemporary Art Museums and Galleries in Bristol, UK
Bristol has a thriving contemporary art scene, with wide range of contemporary art museums and contemporary galleries that are well worth visiting.
Bristol is the largest city in South West England and is an historic city. This strong heritage is still evident with the docks that line the river and the many historic buildings and streets.
Today, Bristol is a city with a thriving culture and art scene and is one as the UK’s leading artistic city.
What sets Bristol apart from other cities is the abundance of street art found at every turn and its range of contemporary art museums and contemporary galleries.
Bristol is an excellent destination to visit and spend time, whether you have a few hours, a few days or even longer.
To assist you in planning your next trip to Bristol, or if you live in Bristol and are looking for somewhere new to visit, I have listed the best contemporary art museums and galleries.
1. Street Art at Stokes Croft, Bristol
Street art can be found throughout Bristol, but Stokes Croft is the most central and concentrated location to find it, especially if you only have a short time to stay in Bristol. Stokes Croft itself can be considered its own large open-air street art museum.
Stokes Croft is a colourful neighbourhood that leads from Nelson Street in Bristol’s shopping area up and beyond Jamaica Street. It takes about 10 minutes to walk along Stokes Croft from the city centre, but it is well worth it, as you explore and find the artworks along the way. This area is covered in street art and murals on shutters, hoardings, walls and even on the vehicles and bins, making it a large open-air street-art gallery.
The start of the walk is at ‘See No Evil’, an art project based on Nelson Street that was first created in 2011. Nelson Street, was one of the more run-down streets in Bristol, characterised by grey 1960’s architecture. ‘See No Evil’ was seen as a project aimed at revitalising the street and encouraging its regeneration. The legacy of that event is still evident in the artworks still found in the area.
I have also written articles about street art in Camden Town, Hackney, Brighton, and several other locations around the world.
2. Where can I see Banksy in Bristol for free?
Banksy, one of the world’s most renowned street artists, famously hails from Bristol. His works can be found all across the globe from Great Yarmouth to San Francisco. His artwork is often satirical, combining dark humour with messages about art, philosophy, and politics.
He first started out in Bristol in the 1990’s and his work has adorned the city’s streets for a number of decades. There are only a small number of murals left in the city, and the main ones can be found here:
Banksy, Mild Mild West
Banksy, Rose Trap
Banksy, Girl with the Pierced Eardrum
Banksy, Well Hung Lover
Take the Money and Run, St. Andrew’s Road and Bath Buildings, Bristol, BS6 5EH
The Girl with the Stick, Bridge Farm Primary School, Bristol, BS14 0LL
It’s possible to do a Self-Guided Walking Tour; ‘A Piece Of …… Banksy!’. This is a fully narrated audio and visual exploration of Banksy in Bristol, from some of his earliest works, up to more recent activities in 2021, with access to exclusive and archive photos. The current cost is £10 for one ticket that enables access on two devices for 24 hours.
3. Arnolfini
Entrance Cost: Free
Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 11am - 6pm
The Arnolfini is a contemporary arts centre located on the historic harbourside of Bristol. It features a wide range of exhibitions and events that showcase the best of contemporary art from around the world.
It covers several artforms from visual art, performance, dance, film, and music. Arnolfini prides itself on being a culturally diverse, pioneering, inspiring and innovative space that provides an engaging experience for all.
Originally a tea warehouse dating back to the early 19th century, Arnolfini's striking building boasts an architectural charm that merges the old with the new. The transformation from warehouse to cultural haven has given the space a unique character, adding to the allure of the art displayed within.
At Arnolfini, expect to encounter thought-provoking exhibitions that challenge norms and ignite conversations. The curatorial team carefully selects a diverse range of artworks, spanning various mediums and themes, ensuring an enriching experience for visitors.
From visual arts to performance pieces, from experimental music to innovative film screenings, Arnolfini embraces contemporary art in all its forms. It's a creative melting pot where artists push boundaries and spectators are invited to explore the uncharted territories of human expression.
Emerging talents find a nurturing platform at Arnolfini, where their voices can resonate with a wider audience. The centre's commitment to supporting new and diverse artists ensures a constant influx of fresh perspectives.
A visit to Arnolfini isn't complete without savoring the stunning views of the Bristol Harbor from its panoramic café. The tranquil ambiance offers the perfect setting to reflect on the art experienced and the emotions evoked.
Arnolfini is part of ‘Plus Tate’, a dynamic network of visual arts organisations stretching across the UK, which includes galleries such as Firstsite in Colchester, Turner Contemporary in Margate and Home in Manchester, amongst several others.
4. Spike Island
Entrance Cost: Free
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday: 12pm - 5pm
Spike Island is one of the UK's leading contemporary art centres, and is a melting pot of creativity, where artists thrive, ideas bloom, and the boundaries of art are continually pushed.
Spike Island's roots trace back to its former life as an industrial area. Today, it has evolved into a dynamic space where art and culture flourish side by side. The industrial heritage blends seamlessly with the contemporary artistic energy, creating a unique backdrop for the creative expressions that unfold within.
Over 70 artists and creatives have their studios here, working tirelessly to bring their visions to life. The studios are a hive of inspiration, where diverse talents converge, sparking collaborations and conversations.
Spike Island's exhibition galleries offer a feast for the senses, with a constant stream of innovative and thought-provoking shows. From solo displays by emerging artists to retrospectives of renowned names, the curations here never fail to intrigue and captivate.
Whether you're an art enthusiast, a curious soul seeking inspiration, or an artist looking for a thriving community, Spike Island beckons you with open arms.
5. Centrespace
Address: 6 Leonard Ln, Bristol, BS1 1EA
Entrance Cost: Free
Opening Hours: Times vary depending on the exhibition
In the heart of Bristol, CentreSpace stands tall as a dynamic and inclusive platform for artists to showcase their talents and creations. It comprises a community of artists and craftspeople that have been part of Bristol’s art scene since the 1970’s. It offers both studio space, workshops, events and a gallery space for hire. It promotes all forms of art from emerging to established artists and provides a space for artists to curate their own shows, and engage with the public.
As a versatile art space, it plays host to a myriad of exhibitions, events, and workshops, making it a hub for artistic exploration and engagement.
CentreSpace is a canvas in constant motion, with exhibitions that rotate regularly. This dynamic approach ensures that every visit to CentreSpace offers something fresh and exciting, enticing art enthusiasts to return time and time again.
It also offers opportunities for emerging talents to exhibit their work and connect with a wider audience, nurturing the growth of Bristol's burgeoning art scene.
6. Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
Address: Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1RL
Entrance Cost: Free
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10am - 5pm
The Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is a place where history and art intertwine to create an immersive experience like no other!
Situated in the heart of the city, this cultural gem has been a beacon of knowledge, inspiration, and entertainment for visitors of all ages.
The Bristol Museum and Art Gallery resides in a majestic Edwardian Baroque building, adding a touch of grandeur to the museum experience.
Visitors can explore the museum's impressive collection of artifacts from ancient civilizations. From Egyptian mummies to Roman relics, the exhibits offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of human history.
The museum also proudly celebrates Bristol's maritime heritage, showcasing the city's important role in the world's exploration and trade. The maritime galleries bring to life the adventurous spirit of Bristol's sailors and their global voyages.
The Bristol Museum and Art Gallery has an art collection that spans centuries and genres, featuring works by renowned artists as well as local talents, each telling a unique story through their brushstrokes.
The art galleries can be found on the second floor. There are a wide range of art forms and artworks to view here, from glassworks, including one of the largest collections of Chinese glass outside of China, paintings by French artists, including work by Lucien Pissarro, Victorian art to Italian and Dutch paintings, including works by Lucas Cranach, Giovanni Bellini, and Jacob van Ruisdael.
The Bristol Museum and Art Gallery has a large contemporary and modern art collection, including Modernist work by Victor Pasmore, and abstract paintings by Peter Lanyon, Roger Hilton, and Howard Hodgkin.
Banksy
The museum consistently hosts captivating special exhibitions that delve into a wide array of topics, from contemporary art to cultural celebrations. These temporary displays ensure that there's always something new and exciting to discover with each visit.
For example, a recent 2022 exhibition, ‘Grayson’s Art Club’, featured artwork from series two of the popular TV show shown on Channel 4 during the lockdowns in 2020 and early 2021.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or a family seeking a memorable day out, the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery promises an immersive and enriching experience for all who grace its halls.
7. RPS Gallery
Entrance Cost: Free
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10am - 5pm
The RPS Gallery is an independent art space located in Paintworks, one of Bristol’s most vibrant creative communities. It features a wide range of exhibitions and events that showcase the best of contemporary art from around the world.
RPS Gallery in Bristol, a haven for photography enthusiasts and art lovers alike. As an exhibition space dedicated to the art of photography, RPS Gallery showcases a diverse range of captivating images that tell powerful stories and capture the essence of the human experience.
8. The Royal West Of England Academy
Address: The Royal West Of England Academy, Queen’s Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1PX
Entrance Cost: From £8.90
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10am - 5pm
The Royal West Of England Academy is one of Bristol’s oldest cultural institutions having opened in 1844.
While rooted in tradition, the RWA embraces the vibrant spirit of contemporary art. Its exhibitions reflect the ever-evolving artistic landscape, capturing the essence of modern times while preserving a deep respect for artistic heritage.
The RWA’s Permanent Collection comprises over 1700 works of art. The majority of these are paintings, but the collection also contains drawings, prints, sculpture, archives, artefacts and architectural models.
hey include significant works by major twentieth century artists such as Vanessa Bell, Duncan Grant, Dod Procter, Gilbert Spencer, Carel Weight, Mary Fedden, Ann Redpath and Julian Trevelyan.
9. Wake the Tiger
Entrance Cost: Adults £15; and children (5-12) £10
Opening Hours: Daily: 10am to 6pm
Photo Credit: Andre Pattenden
Wake The Tiger is an immersive art experience located in Bristol. It was created by the team behind the internationally-renowned festival Boomtown Fair and features a wide range of installations and exhibits that are designed to transport visitors to another world.
Visitors will step through the secret portal into the amazing parallel world and then encounter a multi-layered maze of immersive environments, passageways, forests, temples, etc.
The experience is described as a cross between an experiential art gallery, interactive theme park, and detailed film set. It features a surreal and beautiful twist that is sure to delight visitors of all ages.
Photo Credit: Andre Pattenden
10. People Arts Fair
The People’s Art Fair is an open group show celebrating creativity in all its many forms. It is held by the People’s Republic of Stokes Croft (PRSC) in Bristol. The next event will be held on Fri 1 December, 2023 - Sun 10 December, 2023.
The People’s Art Fair is open to artists, makers, photographers, painters, sculptors and creatives of all shapes and flavours. We know art isn’t just paintings hanging on walls, so the People’s Art Fair often incorporates an art market, live music jam sessions, poetry open mic, and all sorts of creative workshops and activities.
I have included opening times for each experience that are correct at the time of writing this article, but please check the latest information before your visit.
I hope you have found this post about Bristol useful. If you have visited Bristol and any of these contemporary and visual art galleries, I would love to hear your thoughts or if you feel something is missing from this post, please email me and let me know at sarahransomeart@gmail.com.
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