We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Arnolfini

16 Narrow Quay, Bristol BS1 4QA, England
01179172300
Update attraction details
Ranked #9 of 18 shopping in Bristol
Type: Art Galleries, Cinemas
Owner description: In a fantastic waterside location at the heart of Bristol’s harbourside, Arnolfini is one of Europe’s leading centres for the contemporary arts,... more » Owner description: In a fantastic waterside location at the heart of Bristol’s harbourside, Arnolfini is one of Europe’s leading centres for the contemporary arts, presenting innovative, experimental work in the visual arts, performance, dance, film, music and events, accompanied by a programme of educational activities.Sitting on the quayside with a drink on a summer evening is a quintessentially Bristol experience. Arnolfini’s café bar serves a menu of fresh, locally sourced food and fairtrade tea and coffee. « less
Write a Review

28 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    6
    12
    5
    3
    2
Date Rating
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2013 NEW

Great bookshop that you can stay in for hours, contemporary art exhibited really professionally, great staff and atmosphere. Cafe next door just as great.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by jenna W for Bristol
England
Top Contributor
57 reviews 57 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 39 cities Reviews in 39 cities
46 helpful votes 46 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 March 2013

I can see why locals have always called it the Arnol-phoney! Cafe is good, bookshop has some interesting curiosities. I'm by no means a a philistine but some of the stuff on show, along with the accompanying pseuds corner write-ups gave us fits of the giggles.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by LesleyWEngland for Bristol
Bristol, United Kingdom
Top Contributor
111 reviews 111 reviews
67 attraction reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
136 helpful votes 136 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 January 2013

If you are walking along the historic harbour side this is an ideal place to stop for coffee, or a bite to eat. All the wholesome food is produced on site. We had a lovely coffee and cake, but could have had breakfast of lunch. There is also a licensed bar. The Arnolfini is also an art gallery, and exhibition... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 11 more reviews by Rickybear for Bristol
bristol
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 January 2013

There seems to be so little to see there now. The exhibitions fill large rooms but it has completely lost it's wonderful atmosphere. It has a dead feel to it and is not 'general public' friendly anymore. not a satisfying experience.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 5 more reviews by annabananabristol for Bristol
Devon
Top Contributor
1,169 reviews 1,169 reviews
407 attraction reviews
Reviews in 184 cities Reviews in 184 cities
4,303 helpful votes 4,303 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 November 2012

Came back today after a long time. Still putting on very good exhibitions, offering a good cafe and a well stocked arts bookshop. Today I went for the Matti Braun work, arranged on three floors and despite my advancing years had great fun with the cut log discs appearing to float on a large tank of black/brown opaque water, as... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 15 more reviews by Jannerbloke for Bristol
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 August 2012 via mobile

The arnolfini is a great modern art gallery with a lovely art based library and nice toilets it is a lovely modern building wit free intresting exhibitions inside , great for all art lovers although is not an all day affair as it is fairly small but I highly recommend it

Was this review helpful? Yes 3
Bristol
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
12 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 August 2012

Definitely worth visiting. And a cafe has a wonderful arty feel! Good music, loads of great food, excellent coffee and a very decent choice of alcohol.

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 8 more reviews by Olga P for Bristol
South Coast
Top Contributor
63 reviews 63 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 25 cities Reviews in 25 cities
31 helpful votes 31 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 July 2012

Great setting, nice toilets. Didn't try the cafe. Viewed the current installation "Rise Early, Be Industrious" by Olivia Pender and was seriously underwhelmed - seemed well-intentioned but rather Emperor's-New-Clothes.

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 3 more reviews by NickLz for Bristol
Bristol, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 June 2012

I dont normally do galleries or museams but i really liked what was happening at the Arnolfini, i shall be checking it out again perhaps a convert lol

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 3 more reviews by Warphi for Bristol
Bath
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 June 2012

Like all galleries, your experience of this place is largely governed by the work on view. As a venue it can be a bit souless and as the work on show is generally abstract, sometimes its hard to come away with anything meaningful from the experience. However, persistence pays off and you will find over time that something strikes a... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 3
See 4 more reviews by Malcolm P for Bristol

Travellers who viewed Arnolfini also viewed

 
Bristol, England
Bristol, England
 

Been to Arnolfini? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Arnolfini, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing