News / Rolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce unveils museum of rare and historic engines
Aerospace Bristol and the Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust have come together to curate a showstopping collection of high-performance Rolls-Royce engines under one roof.
The relationship between Rolls-Royce and Bristol forms a significant chapter in the city’s pioneering role in engineering, both locally and globally.
When Rolls-Royce came to Filton in the 1960s, it became a hub of innovation for generations to come. At its peak, the site employed over 5,000 people, producing some of the most powerful engines in aviation history, including those that powered iconic aircraft such as the Concorde and the Vulcan.
“Aviation engineering is a proud part of Bristol’s identity, and each engine tells a powerful story of ingenuity, technological ambition, and of local people,” said Sally Cordwell, chief executive at Aerospace Bristol
To bring the rich legacy of Rolls-Royce in the region to a wider audience, the Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust and Aerospace Bristol have joined forces to create a dedicated exhibition space.
The new museum includes displays, artefacts and hands-on materials to help visitors understand the technological achievements and stories behind these historic engines.
The new museum is located at Aerospace Bristol, next to the hangar that houses the last Concorde.
In partnership with the Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust, Aerospace Bristol has transformed Hangar 16R at Filton into the new home of the Rolls-Royce Aerospace Collection.
The new museum is home to some 70 historic engines built by Rolls-Royce
Sally Cordwell, chief executive of Aerospace Bristol, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Rolls-Royce to display and preserve one of the most extraordinary collections of aircraft engines ever assembled.
“Aviation engineering is a proud part of Bristol’s identity, and each engine tells a powerful story of ingenuity, technological ambition, and of local people. For many visitors, the collection will hold personal memories of grandparents and great-grandparents who played an important role in designing these feats of engineering.”
The project was made possible by a £180,000 donation from Rolls-Royce plc to the Bristol Aero Collection Trust, which funded essential upgrades to Hangar 16R, including new cladding and floor preparation, making the space suitable for housing and displaying the historic engine collection.
The exhibition opens to the public on Friday, following a press preview on Tuesday, which brought together key figures behind the project to share their vision and celebrate this significant addition to Bristol’s rich engineering heritage.
“This collection reflects the remarkable contributions of the people behind the engines – past and present – who have helped make Rolls-Royce a world leader in aerospace power and propulsion,” said Andy Roberts, director of flight operations and chief executive of the Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust
Andy Roberts, director of flight operations and chief executive of the Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust, said: “We’re delighted to see these engines find a home at Aerospace Bristol, where they will continue to inspire future generations of engineers and innovators.
“This collection reflects the remarkable contributions of the people behind the engines – past and present – who have helped make Rolls-Royce a world leader in aerospace power and propulsion.”
The museum showcases around 70 Rolls-Royce engines, including those once used in aircraft such as the Wellington and Lancaster II. Among the highlights are heritage engines like the Olympus, Pegasus, and a range of Bristol radial engines, some of which are being displayed to the public for the very first time.
Many of the engines on display – such as the Hercules, Pegasus, and Olympus – were originally designed and built in Bristol, now returning to their home city for public exhibition.
Many of the engines on display – such as the Hercules, Pegasus, and Olympus – were originally designed and built in Bristol, now returning to their home city for public exhibition
Highlights include a rare Phoenix, the only diesel version of the Pegasus ever built; a sectioned Centaurus, one of WWII’s most powerful engines; and an early Whittle jet engine, marking the dawn of the jet age.
The Pegasus engine famously powered Harrier aircraft, which played a pivotal role in the Falklands War in 1982 and are considered among the most important aircraft deployed by British forces.
Dave Gordon, senior vice president UK, Europe & Africa at Rolls-Royce and also the chairman of Bristol Heritage Trust, explained how the company has incorporated legacy and innovation.
He said: “Here we’ve got some of our Olympus engines—the very ones that powered the Concorde, and also the Vulcan bomber. During the Falklands War, the Vulcan completed what was then the longest round-trip bombing mission in history, made possible through extensive air-to-air refuelling. It’s an incredible piece of history.
“From a Rolls-Royce perspective, why have we invested in this facility? We’ve committed £180,000 because we’re deeply aware of our past. We recognise our heritage—it’s who we are as a company. It’s in our DNA.”
Hangar 16R at Aerospace Bristol was transformed into a museum to house and display some of the iconic engines built by Rolls-Royce
He continued: “As we look to the future and continue to develop our family of products, we do so by building on this legacy. This room holds the work of thousands of former employees. This is their legacy—and it’s the foundation on which we continue to innovate and move forward.”
A dedicated team of volunteers has been instrumental in conserving these rare and historically significant experimental engines, ensuring their stories continue to inspire future generations.
The new museum sits next to the resting place of the last Concorde
Aerospace Bristol, which already welcomes thousands of school pupils each year, hopes the new museum will inspire the next crop of engineers who will propel Bristol’s legacy as a leading light in engineering excellence.
All photos: Milan Perera
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