Glenside Hospital Museum

Explore Mental Health, Inspire Change

Our Collections

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

News & Events

Latest events and exhibitions

Check out our exciting calendar of PoW! events via "What's On" in the menu above. 

Our uplifting new exhibition What Brings Me Joy launches on Saturday 8th November - join us to explore this fresh collection of colourful artworks!

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.

November 6, 2025
November 6, 2025

Vacancy Trustee Roles at Glenside Hospital Museum

We are seeking passionate individuals to join our Board of Trustees and play a vital role in destigmatising mental illness, preserving heritage, and shaping the future of our museum. This is a unique opportunity to contribute your expertise, expand your professional network, and make a meaningful impact within a respected and supportive team. Discover more about our current trustee vacancies and how you can be part of this important work.
October 6, 2025
Portraits of Victorian patients at Bristol Lunatic Asylum
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?

Our Collections

We house three collections

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.

Volunteer Options
Group photo of Glenside Hospital Museum volunteers with the Lord Mayor Andrew Varney at PoW! project launch party

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.

 

Visitor Info

"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

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Contact us about the museum

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