The British Empire & Commonwealth Museum
Station Approach, Temple Meads, Bristol BS1 6QH
Tel: 0117 925 4980
The dramatic story of how Britain's overseas empire evolved into the modern Commonwealth
is told through exciting, informative displays,
using film, video, sound recordings, authentic artefacts and interactive exhibits. Sixteen
galleries present 500 years of history from the perspective of both ruler and ruled, ending with
a look at how Britain's colonial history continues to affect us today.
The Museum is housed inside Isambard Kingdom Brunel's 19th century
railway station at Temple Meads, Bristol, the world's first purpose-built passenger
railway terminus and an integral link using Brunel's railway and ships to connect the heart
of the empire, London, with Britain's overseas colonies and America. Public access
has now been granted to the historic railway building following its restoration.
As well as 16 permanent galleries, the Museum offers a changing series of
special exhibitions, events for families, lectures and seminars. There is a full
education programme, suitable for all ages and key stages from pre-school to adult learners.
A rapidly growing commercial archive uniquely illustrates Britain's colonial past
through film, photographs, objects, documents and sound recordings.
