News / Bristol Museum
Museum upgrade marks completion
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery has completed a major refurbishment in line with heritage requirements.
Commissioned by Bristol City Council, the works aimed to improve the Grade II listed building’s sustainability credentials and enhance the care of its extensive collection of artefacts.
Hartnell Taylor Cook undertook the project which took just under two years to complete.
is needed now More than ever
Back wall of the museum was also under the refurbishment – photo: Hartnell Taylor Cook
Phillip Walker, head of culture and creative industries at Bristol City Council, highlighted the importance of the project for the preservation of collections, public engagement, and long-term sustainability.
He said: “The completion of these refurbishment works is the culmination of a major capital project to improve building infrastructure within Bristol Museum & Art Gallery – providing improvements to the care of our collections, research and education access, and helping us become more sustainable.
“We are hugely grateful for the funding from Bristol Museums Development Trust and the Museum Estates and Development Fund, administered by Arts Council England, and to the amazing team of professionals who worked with us on the project – without them, this wouldn’t have been possible.
“The renovations to our building and facilities are fantastic for the organisation, the safeguarding of our collections and the continued enjoyment of our visitors.”
Bristol City Council approved spending more than £750,000 for the project in April 2022, comprising grants of almost £680,000 from Arts Council England and £75,000 from the Bristol Museums Development Trust.
However, the council later allocated a further £150,000 in September 2024, after the cost of repairs overran initial estimates.
“I’m so pleased the project has been successfully completed and that Bristol Museum & Art Gallery is now even better equipped to welcome visitors for years to come,” said Miranda Anglias, senior associate director at Hartnell Taylor Cook
The refurbishment included a range of essential works: window replacements, upgrades to the Conservation Lab, roof repairs to the Natural History Office, installation of a damp-proof membrane and gravity drainage in the Fine Art store and upgrades to the main switchgear.
A key focus of the project was enhancing energy efficiency, with new double-glazed windows and lantern lights significantly improving thermal performance across the site.
Hartnell Taylor Cook oversaw project management, contract administration, procurement, mechanical and engineering consultancy and surveying, collaborating with MESH Engineering, WHArchitects, Ashcroft Services Ltd and Optima Scaffold Designs LLP.
The refurbishment included roof repairs to the Natural History Office – photo: Hartnell Taylor Cook
Miranda Anglias, senior associate director at Hartnell Taylor Cook, appreciated the opportunity to contribute to such a significant cultural site. She said: “It was an absolute pleasure working on this flagship historic building.
“Many hours were spent in the museum, and I particularly enjoyed admiring the artefacts while moving from one area of the site to another.
“What a privilege to have been involved in preserving a cornerstone of Bristol’s proud heritage and cultural landscape. It was also a pleasure to work with such a lovely client team.”
“I’m so pleased the project has been successfully completed, and that Bristol Museum & Art Gallery is now even better equipped to welcome visitors for years to come,” she concluded.
A key focus of the project was enhancing energy efficiency, with new double-glazed windows – photo: Hartnell Taylor Cook
The project was funded by Bristol Museums Development Trust and the Museum Estates and Development Fund, administered by Arts Council England.
Main photo: Milan Perera
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