The Architecture Centre

There are kind of two separate parts to the Architecture Centre: a shop area at the front, and an exhibition area behind.
The exhibition area hosts changing exhibitions and temporary educational displays relating to architecture, as well as occasional talks on the subject. Depending on the specific exhibition being shown, some tend to appeal mainly to ‘hardcore’ architecture experts and enthusiasts, while others appeal to a wider audience interested in design.
The shop, on the other hand, is well worth a visit if you’re passing — even if you don’t want to see the exhibitions. It sells pieces of handmade jewellery designed by local artists, some lovely greetings cards and pictures, a few books and notebooks, and beautifully-​made children’s educational toys and puzzles.

Home to many great designs and pieces of art (and once putting up a design by me!) the Architecture Centre offers interesting educational displays to do with the profession. Their exhibition space changes regularly, currently offering work by the artist Neville Gabie looking at the recent Cabot Circus development.
A nice contrast to the more contemporary art focused Arnolfini, this corner of town really does have a lot of cultural offerings. You’ll particularly like this place if you have any interest in the built environment, not just ‘architecture’ in the stereotyped classical sense of the word.
As well as exhibitions they have events every now and then, things like debates and big art projects. The various goings on make it the Architecture Centre a stimulating experience, particularly if you’re interested in buildings.

Squeezed between the busy youth hostel and the celebrated Arnolfini, this little gem is often lost.
With its aim of promoting and supporting architecture and the built environment, it all sounds a little dry but you will be surprised. The venue has exhibition space for projects worldwide and is a hub for finding out about conferences, talks and events to do with architecture and the environment. They hold their own little events as well looking at Bristol in particular and are quite strongly devoted to encouraging children to look at their city — for example they have some design classes coming up and a drawing day.
The gift shop at the front of the venue is fantastic — I actually use this as my main card shop in town — and their commitment to children’s education continues here with a nice selection of educational and design-​led toys, making it great for buying gifts for some of the parents I know! They also have a nice selection of jewellery from local artists, some very unusual things.
On top of this they have a conference room to hire.

If you are into architecture or urban design this is well worth a look if you are in area. There was a Le Corbusier exhibition on when I visited, which was well-​laid out and informative. The place itself is quite small with an exhibition space on top and a shop below. All very interesting. Will definitely be back.