Georgian House Museum
With a National Art Pass you get
An 18th-century Bristol townhouse, built for sugar merchant John Pinney, the Georgian House Museum is furnished in the fashion of those times.
Discover a six storey townhouse in the centre of Bristol, designed by leading architect of the time, William Paty, that has been restored and decorated to its original glory. Featuring period rooms furnished in a conservatively fashionable style it gives an insight into life both above, and below stairs. The house was built in 1790 for John Pinney, a slave plantation owner and sugar merchant. A small display explores his life, and the life of his enslaved valet, Pero Jones.
Above stairs
The house was built to Pinney's exact specifications and has been recreated to give a sense of what it was like to live in the wealthy family's home in the 1700s. On the upper floors you will find The Dining Room, with the table is set for an extravagant dinner party, Pinney's Study leading to a strong room, suggesting he was an early adopter of 'working from home', plus entertaining spaces; the Drawing Room, Library and the Ladies Withdrawing Room.
Below stairs
Linked to the rest of the house by a hidden staircase (so servants would not be seen) was the basement where you will find the kitchen, laundry and housekeeper's rooms. Look out for the 'dumb waiter', bells to call the servants and unusually, a cold water plunge, used by the master of the house!
The Georgian House Museum is free to all, but please be aware there is no toilet or cafe in the building and access to all floors is by stairs only.
Visitor information
Address
7 Great George Street, Bristol, BS1 5RR
01179 211362
Opening times
Open Sat – Tue, 11am – 4pm
Exclusions and safety measures
Closed 24 - 26 December.
Closes annually for winter from the end of December until the beginning of April.
Visitor information
The more you see, the more we do.
The National Art Pass lets you enjoy free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, while raising money to support them.