Glenside Hospital Museum

Explore Mental Health, Inspire Change

Destigmatising mental illness and learning difficulties, bringing attention to personal wellbeing and increasing understanding of the brain and selfcare 

News & Events

We are delighted to announce that our PoW! (Protect Our Wellbeing) initiative received funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to strengthen and preserve our organisation for future generations. 

Check out our exciting calendar of PoW! events via "What's On" in the menu above. Due to its popularity we've extended our Tea in the Turret event for the autumn season, so come and enjoy a cosy tea party in our quirky balcony room.

To explore our museum virtually please download the Bloomberg Connects free digital guide to engage with both during your visit or from any device anywhere. Download the app here.

October 6, 2025

Two asylums under one roof: gender differences in Victorian healthcare

On Thursday 20th November our brilliant researcher Dr Paul Tobia will present a thought-provoking talk and discussion, examining how gender shaped experiences of care and control within the asylum. How were men and women treated differently — and what does that tell us about society then and now?
September 7, 2025

Submission date extension 29th Sept for open exhibition: What brings me joy

One aspect of maintaining mental fitness is to participate in activities that bring joy. With this exhibition we would like to celebrate creativity as well as entertain our visitors. We welcome artists who would like to use our collection for inspiration, but this is not a requirement. The exhibition is in a church so it is not a traditional space. Submissions now close on 29th September, visit this page for full info on how to apply.

Volunteering

The museum has a wide variety of projects and is always looking for people to work on them. There is a lot of historical research to conduct, displays to be put together, and general work to ensure we provide the best visitor experience we can.

We are flexible and able to give volunteers a role that fits in with their own interests or requirements.

Visit Us

Glenside Hospital Museum is located within the grounds of the old psychiatric hospital housed in the 1881 Grade II listed asylum church. The main hospital building is now used by the University of West of England as their Health and Social Care Campus. We’re in situated in the Grade II listed church just inside the grounds. For more details, including group booking and accessibility, please see our visiting page.

 

"If you have never been to Glenside Hospital Museum, it is a wonderful museum. It is not gloomy or depressing but fascinating and hopeful. A really progressive institution."

Julie Begen

"A fabulous history of the area, the hospitals, and of approaches to mental health and learning disabilities. An amazing array of artefacts, surgical instruments and ephemera. The staff were really welcoming and knowledgeable. Absolutely loved it!"

Lea Roberts

Donate

To stay open the Museum relies on the generosity of our visitors

Contact us about the museum