Pero's Bridge, Footbridge in Harbourside, Bristol, England
Pero's Bridge is a curved steel footbridge spanning Bristol Harbour that connects Queen Square to Millennium Square, featuring two horn-shaped structures rising from its deck. The bridge was designed by artist Eilis O'Connell, whose sculptural horns serve both as structural supports and as visual elements.
The bridge opened in 1999 as one of the first new landmarks of Bristol's redesigned harbor area. It was constructed during a period when the city was transforming its waterfront into a cultural destination.
The bridge is named after Pero Jones, an enslaved person who lived in Bristol during the 18th century, making his story visible to those who cross here. This naming choice brings attention to the city's history with the slave trade.
The bridge sits near Bristol Aquarium and We The Curious, providing direct access to restaurants and entertainment venues along the waterfront. Walking across and exploring both sides of the harbor is the best way to experience the surrounding neighborhoods and attractions.
The structure functions as a bascule bridge with counterweighted sections that can be raised to allow tall vessels to pass through the harbor. This makes it a working part of the harbor's operation, not merely a visual landmark.
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