What’s on

9 MARCH – 31 DECEMBER

American Road Trip Exhibition

American Road Trip explores the origins and stories behind the cultural phenomenon, and transports us thousands of miles on a journey of discovery along Route 66 and beyond.

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EVERY WEEK

Museum Pop-up Talks

Interesting pop-up talks happen every week at the museum. These 15-minute talks cover a wide variety of topics about American culture and history. Ask the Ticket Office if a talk is scheduled on the day of your visit.

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April – October

Garden Tours

From April to October we offer special guided tours of our American-style gardens. These 45-minute tours are led by our knowledgeable Garden Guides. You can call the Museum on the morning of your visit to find out if a tour is scheduled for that day.

Spring & Autumn

Textile Tours

If you have a fascination for fabrics, then this specialised tour will be just the thing to enhance your visit. Find out about a wide variety of pieces in our world-renowned textile collection.

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Every month

Brilliant Beasties

A wonderful hour of fun and creativity for pre-schoolers and their parents/carers. Come along to sing songs, listen to stories, share rhymes and get crafty, while learning about ‘Brilliant Beasties’, our lovely animal friends.

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March – April

Daffodil Month

Experience the sensational beauty of 70,000 daffodils in bloom across the gardens and parkland, with different varieties opening in succession throughout the month.

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29 March – 14 April

Easter Eggcitement

Enjoy an Easter trail throughout our daffodil-filled gardens, plus free crafts and storytelling, as well as face painting, Easter treats and much more!

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30 March

Easter Family Photoshoot

Join Helena M Photography for a free family photoshoot in our spring gardens and create stylish photos that you’ll keep forever.

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17 April

Cathedral Window Quilting Workshop

Join Ann from Midsomer Quilting for a workshop on the traditional Cathedral Window patchwork technique. You will learn how to use this method and make a pin cushion and a needle case.

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21 April

Jazz at the Museum

An afternoon of the best local jazz with light refreshments. The John Martin Quartet presents Reconstruct – new arrangements of well-known tunes from jazz and beyond.

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29 April

Claridge Lecture: Peaches Golding

In her talk ‘Two roads diverged on the American Road Trip’, Peaches Golding OBE, CStJ, will share her journey from segregated America to The King’s personal representative for the County and City of Bristol. Tickets coming soon.

2 May

Curious About Quilts Session

An incredible opportunity to view up close some of our quilts not on display in the Museum, and learn more about the history of quilt making in America.

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17 May

Garden Grooves: the Lazy River Band

Join us in our spectacular gardens for a spring or summer evening of music and American-inspired food and drink. Tickets coming soon.

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18 May

Macramé Plant Hanger Workshop

Calling all lovers of plants and beautiful home décor! This macramé plant hanger-making workshop is one for you.

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19 May

Rare Plant Fair

For every plant lover and garden enthusiast, the Rare Plant Fair is an excellent opportunity to buy beautiful, interesting and unusual plants.

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24 May

Writing A Memoir – Where Do I Start?

This stimulating workshop run by acclaimed writer Cathy Rentzenbrink will help you to write about your life.

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28 May

Kids’ Pottery Workshop

Enhance your visit with a fun kids’ workshop in May half term. Each child can make two pottery items in an hour-long creative session with Maisie from The Touring Potter. Tickets coming soon.

5 June

Make-your-own Tussie Mussie

An hour-long workshop all about fabulous tussie mussies – sweetly scented bouquets. Come and create your own, using natural stems grown in our special cutting garden. Tickets coming soon.

7 June

Garden Grooves: John Martin Quartet

An evening of jazz in our spectacular gardens, featuring classics, Rat Pack hits & Brazilian bossa nova, led by critically acclaimed tenor saxophonist, John Martin.

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8 August

Outdoor Theatre: Little Women

An uplifting and heartfelt tale of the March sisters’ journey into adulthood and all the trials and triumphs that come with it, Little Women features authentic costuming and a beautiful musical score. Tickets coming soon.

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26 August

Outdoor Theatre: Beauty & the Beast

With delightful specially crafted puppets, lively original songs and sparkling humour, Chapterhouse Theatre Company’s new adaptation of Beauty & the Beast is perfect for all the family!

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Getting here

By car, coach, rail, taxi, bicycle, bus or on foot