Glenside Museum

Glenside Museum sits within the Glenside Campus of the University of the West of England, housed in a Grade II listed chapel building erected in 1861. The building holds collections that document the history of psychiatric care.

The site began as Bristol Lunatic Asylum and was transformed into a military hospital during World War I. This shift shows how the institution adapted its role during wartime.

The collection features drawings and paintings by Dennis Reed showing daily life at Glenside in the 1950s, alongside medical equipment and patient stories. These works offer a window into the everyday experience of people who lived and received care here.

The museum has limited opening hours with visits possible only on specific weekdays. It is advisable to plan your visit in advance and check current hours, as access is quite restricted.

British painter Stanley Spencer worked here as a medical orderly from 1915 to 1916 and is commemorated by artwork and a blue plaque within the museum. His presence documents the connection between artists and this institution during wartime.

Location: Fishponds

Address: The Old Church, UWE Glenside Campus, Bristol BS16 1DD

Website: http://glensidemuseum.org.uk

GPS coordinates: 51.48490,-2.54300

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:51