Ten years ago, Bristol council were apparently thinking of demolishing the building which now houses the newly opened British Empire and Commonwealth Museum. This would have been a great pity, for it was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel as part of the world’s first purpose-built railway terminus – Bristol Temple Meads (completed 1841). And the new museum fits into the renovated Grade I listed building rather snugly, with enough room for a temporary exhibitions gallery on the top floor. In the basement, the education rooms lead directly out of the cafZ, so it’s difficult to escape the hordes of schoolchildren, though they genuinely seem to enjoy the displays – especially the Morse code tapper. (I wonder how soon that’ll have to be replaced?) The place has a friendly air, not over-designed nor too politically correct, but as full of objects as a good museum should be.
The permanent exhibition, which comprises more than 20 themed galleries and easily absorbs a couple of hours’ concentrated viewing, is divided into three main sections.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in