University of the West of England, Glenside Campus, Blackberry Hill, Bristol BS16 1DD

Glenside Museum


Glenside Museum is situated within the Glenside Campus of the University of the West of England in Fishponds, Bristol, England. The museum was founded by Dr Donal F. Early; a consultant psychiatrist at Glenside Hospital from the 1950s.

Location

About



Glenside Museum is a fascinating and unique attraction located in the city of Bristol, England. This museum provides visitors with a glimpse into the history of mental health care and treatment in the UK, offering a thought-provoking and informative experience that is well worth a visit.

The museum is housed in the former Bristol Lunatic Asylum, which opened in 1861 and was originally known as the Bristol County Pauper Lunatic Asylum. The asylum was built to provide care for people suffering from mental illness, and over the years it became a significant center for mental health care in the UK.

Today, the Glenside Museum offers visitors the opportunity to explore the history of mental health care in the UK, including the practices and treatments that were used in the past. The museum has an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits, including photographs, documents, and medical equipment, that tell the story of mental health care in the UK from the 19th century to the present day.

One of the highlights of the museum is the opportunity to see some of the medical equipment that was used in the past. Visitors can see old surgical tools, restraints, and even the infamous "tranquilizer chair," which was used to restrain patients who were experiencing severe mental distress.

The museum also has a number of exhibits that explore the personal experiences of patients and staff in the asylum. These exhibits provide a powerful insight into what life was like in the asylum, and help to challenge some of the common misconceptions and stereotypes that surround mental illness.

In addition to the exhibits, the museum also offers guided tours, which provide visitors with a more detailed and informative experience. The tours are led by knowledgeable and passionate guides, who are able to answer any questions visitors may have about the history of the asylum and the practices that were used in the past.

Overall, the Glenside Museum is a fascinating and thought-provoking attraction that is well worth a visit. It offers visitors the opportunity to explore a unique aspect of UK history, and to gain a better understanding of mental illness and the treatments that have been used to address it. If you're visiting Bristol and are interested in history, health care, or social justice, then the Glenside Museum is definitely an attraction you won't want to miss.

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Opening Hours

Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 10 am–1 pm
Thursday Closed
Friday Closed
Saturday 10 am–4 pm
Sunday Closed
Monday Closed

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