Bristol Arts and
Culture
Bristol is a distinctive and beautiful city,
and it provides an excellent base from which to explore the
south-west of England. It is close to the breath-taking and
historic Roman city of Bath, and shares borders with
Gloucestershire and Somerset. Bristol, however, is a destination of
choice in its own right.
Bristol made it to the final round while being
considered for European Capital of Culture in 2008 - and
Bristolians are justifiably proud of their city. The music and film
industry is thriving. The art scene is vibrant, and the theatre is
lively. The museums may be described in three words: varied,
stimulating and engaging. If you’re staying at a
hotel in Bristol, make some space in your schedule to
experience these cultural delights. Cultural and artistic
highlights include the following:
Watershed
Theatre
Situated on the side of the city’s harbour,
Watershed is a
multipurpose venue that offers a mix of theatre, art, independent
films and various special events. For those new to cultural
activities, it provides an ideal introduction to high culture in a
friendly environment.
The Bristol Old
Vic
There is no need to travel to London for some
of the finest productions on the British stage. The oldest of
Britain’s working theatre; the Bristol Old Vic has garnered
plaudits for the quality of its productions, which encompass
contemporary works, as well as the classics.
A visit to the Bristol Old Vic is highly
encouraged. The theatre offers the opportunity to see exceptional
and experimental works, and its auditorium is a stunning showcase
of Georgian architecture. Additionally, the theatre boasts a
convenient on-site restaurant.
The Bristol Hippodrome
Versatility is the Bristol Hippodrome’s
watchword: It offers all types of entertainment, and caters to all
age groups. Along with Broadway and West End shows, theatre-goers
may also opt to see musicals, operatic performances, children’s
entertainment, concerts and ballet productions.
The theatre facilitates group bookings, and
offers discounts on bookings for parties of 10 or more.
The theatre’s amenities are well-thought-out,
and include air conditioning and wheelchair accessibility. The
Hippodrome also caters to visitors who are either hearing- or
visually-impaired.
The Royal West of
England Academy
Registered as a museum, the RWA is undoubtedly the premier art
gallery in Bristol. Its royal patron is Queen Elizabeth II. The
academy is housed in an exceptionally grand building, and it
contains five exquisite galleries that are lit by natural light.
Different exhibitions are staged throughout the year, and group
bookings are offered. Ticket prices are extremely reasonable.
Arnolfini
This gallery holds a prominent position among
contemporary art centres in Europe. Its arts bookshop houses a
comprehensive collection that is reputed to be one of the country’s
best. It is a must-visit venue for lovers of art. Arnolfini offers
an ever-changing programme of events that appeal to a wide
audience. The centre is supported by the Arts Council, and
admission is free.
Bristol
Architecture
Those who appreciate great architecture will
not be disappointed in Bristol. The city is home to an outstanding
cathedral, centuries-old churches, listed buildings and gorgeous
Georgian squares.
At its heart, Bristol is a mini-metropolis
that teems with cultural and artistic attractions. Whether one is a
long-standing culturati - or simply wants to increase one’s
enjoyment and or understanding of higher cultural pursuits - the
city will satisfy all interests.
The above cultural attractions are all within
walking distance of The Bristol Hotel or are within a short drive,
and there are a number of
Bristol special packages for patrons to take advantage
of.
