The new Museum of Bristol, M Shed, is positioned on the waterfront adjacent to the city's commercial centre and emerging cultural and leisure facilities. M-Shed will complete the regeneration of the city's historic docks. The museum that will tell the unique story of Bristol and its people using the City's outstanding collections brought to life by the stories of local people.Housed in a refurbished steel-framed cargo shed, the two-storey industrial building was originally completed in 1951. Significant consideration has been given to respecting the industrial heritage of the existing building and site without compromising the operation of a modern museum. The sliding doors to the quayside have been fully refurbished and motorized to preserve the character and quality of the docks. Together with the associated trains, boats and cranes, one of which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, the doors form a backdrop and are an integral part of the Conservation Area.The main exhibition areas utilise the dramatic warehouse spaces, integrating the required environmental services and lighting in a sympathetic way. An additional second floor has been added which houses a function space and a temporary gallery.Central to the project have been the creation of two dramatic foyer spaces: the West Foyer and the Main Foyer. These two distinctly different spaces will act as orientation spaces for visitors, as well as break out spaces and additional exhibition spaces. They provide breathtaking views out over Bristol, taking full advantage of the extraordinary location of the museum.
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