Amazing art, gorgeous galleries

Need some culture? Bristol is home to a fantastic art scene that you can experience in museums, galleries, and even on the streets. These are some of the best art venues that the city has to offer.

BRISTOL MUSEUM & ART GALLERY –  Queen’s Road, Clifton, BS8 1RL

With a wealth of European pieces, modern art, and sculptures from Eastern Asia, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery is a must-see. Admire the cultural work from local and worldwide artists alike – maybe even visit Alfred the Gorilla while you’re there. There’s no entry fee, which makes for a perfect day out on a budget.

ROYAL WEST OF ENGLAND ACADEMY – Queen’s Road, Clifton, BS8 1PX

As Bristol’s oldest art gallery, the RWA has proudly played its part in preserving the city’s artistic spirit. Boasting a range of exhibits both on and off-site, as well as year-round courses and workshops, the RWA has something for everyone.

The RWA is Bristol’s oldest gallery – currently under construction. Credit: Lisa Whiting photography.

CENTRESPACE – 6 Leonard Lane, BS1 1EA

Centrespace is run by artists, for artists. While there’s plenty of gallery space and rolling exhibitions, a special emphasis on supporting burgeoning artists is very present. Fuelled by a DIY attitude, creatives can come along for studio space, workshops, and plenty of inspiration.

THE ART ETERNAL – 41 High Street, BS1 2AT

For the alternative crowd, there’s nowhere better than The Art Eternal – a chilled out gallery that doubles up as a tattoo studio. Stocking works from talented, environmentally conscious local artists, there’s a strong attitude of giving back not just to the community, but to the planet with charity drives, vegan ink, and renewable energy.

ARNOLFINI – 16 Narrow Quay, BS1 4QA

Arnolfini has long been a figurehead for Bristol’s contemporary art scene. The event spaces host a wealth of
performances, cinema screenings, workshops, and much more, while the galleries display a range of international art that brings global culture to the harbour. As the gift that keeps on giving, Arnolfini has many more facilities, including Bristol’s best art bookshop.

The Arnolfini is not just an arts hub, but has a busy bar too. Credit: Arnolfini

SPIKE ISLAND – 133 Cumberland Road, BS1 6UX

Spike Island is home to some of Bristol’s best creative courses and workshops, including UWE’s art and visual & fine art bachelor degree programmes. With a focus on community, Spike Island accommodates a range of artist-led businesses and more than 70 studios. For those that want to see finished works on display, there’s gallery space holding exhibitions of all forms of media from a wealth of inspired artists.

STREET ART

From long-surviving Banksy pieces to brand new work by up and coming artists, much of Bristol – especially Stokes Croft and North Street – is an ever-changing canvas. Bedminster and Southville are also home to Upfest, which is Europe’s largest street art and graffiti festival and a fantastic place to see some visionaries at work.

Bristol is famed for its vibrant street art. Courtesy of Plaster

Main photo: Bristol Culture

Read more: Alternative entertainment

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