Cities
United Kingdom Bristol Bristol Gallery

Arnolfini

About

Arnolfini, on Bristol’s harbourside, is one of Europe’s leading centres for contemporary art and a cornerstone of the city’s cultural life. Founded in 1961 by Jeremy Rees and originally based above a bookshop in Clifton, it moved in 1975 to its current home in Bush House, a Grade II* listed 19th‑century tea warehouse overlooking the Floating Harbour. Named after Jan van Eyck’s famous Arnolfini Portrait, the gallery has built an international reputation for presenting bold and experimental work across visual art, performance, dance, music, film, and literature. Over the decades it has hosted exhibitions by major artists including Bridget Riley, Richard Long, and Rachel Whiteread, while also supporting emerging talent and cross‑disciplinary practice. Its programme extends beyond exhibitions to talks, festivals, and community engagement, making it a dynamic space for dialogue and creativity. With its striking galleries, specialist bookshop, and café bar, Arnolfini remains a vibrant hub where Bristol connects with global contemporary culture while celebrating its own artistic energy.

Bristol United Kingdom
Arnolfini
Location

Arnolfini is located at 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol BS1 4QA, positioned in the heart of Bristol’s vibrant Harbourside area between the waterfront and Prince Street. It is surrounded by several key cultural attractions including the M Shed museum, the SS Great Britain, and Bristol Aquarium. Nearby are also numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars, contributing to a lively arts and leisure atmosphere. Arnolfini is a short walk from the city centre and Bristol Temple Meads railway station, with convenient public transport links and parking facilities nearby. The location offers a picturesque waterside setting ideal for enjoying contemporary arts alongside the bustling harbour environment.

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery Bristol Museum & Art Gallery Museum M Shed M Shed Museum The Georgian House Museum The Georgian House Museum Museum Red Lodge Museum Red Lodge Museum Museum Blaise Museum Blaise Museum Museum Kings Weston Roman Villa Kings Weston Roman Villa Museum Brunel’s SS Great Britain Brunel’s SS Great Britain Museum Aerospace Bristol Aerospace Bristol Museum Bristol Old Vic Bristol Old Vic Theatre Bristol Hippodrome Bristol Hippodrome Theatre Tobacco Factory Theatres Tobacco Factory Theatres Theatre Redgrave Theatre Redgrave Theatre Theatre The Wardrobe Theatre The Wardrobe Theatre Theatre Winston Theatre Winston Theatre Theatre Royal West of England Academy Royal West of England Academy Gallery Spike Island Gallery Spike Island Gallery Gallery Centrespace Studios & Gallery Centrespace Studios & Gallery Gallery Bristol Castle Bristol Castle Castle Queen Victoria Statue Queen Victoria Statue Historical Landmark William III Statue William III Statue Historical Landmark John Cabot Statue John Cabot Statue Sculpture Rajah Rammohun Roy Statue Rajah Rammohun Roy Statue Historical Landmark Queen Square Queen Square Landmark Portland Square Portland Square Square Cabot Tower Cabot Tower Historical Landmark Blaise Castle Blaise Castle Castle Snuff Mills Snuff Mills Park National Trust - Leigh Woods National Trust - Leigh Woods Park Sea Walls Sea Walls Observation deck Castle Park Castle Park Park Clifton Suspension Bridge Museum Clifton Suspension Bridge Museum Museum Brandon Hill Brandon Hill Park Round Pool Round Pool Tourist attractions St. George Park St. George Park Park Perrett Park Perrett Park Park Stoke Park Estate Stoke Park Estate Park Oldbury Court Estate Oldbury Court Estate Park Clifton Down Clifton Down Park Clifton Suspension Bridge Clifton Suspension Bridge Bridge Wake The Tiger Wake The Tiger Tourist attractions Bristol Cathedral Bristol Cathedral Cathedral St Anne's Woods St Anne's Woods Park Giant's Cave Giant's Cave Tourist attractions Badock's Wood Badock's Wood Park Northern Slopes Northern Slopes Tourist attractions Floating Harbour Floating Harbour Tourist attractions Wills Memorial Building Wills Memorial Building Tourist attractions Steepest Street in England Steepest Street in England Tourist attractions