What Brings Me Joy, an exhibition at Glenside Hospital Museum

This exhibition features work from 25 artists who responded to explore the theme of joy—what brings it, how it feels, and where it can be found.

The artists have used a wide range of media including oils, watercolour, pencil, textiles, collage, and sculpture. Their pieces are displayed throughout the museum’s galleries, integrated with the existing collection. Visitors are invited to discover them through a self-guided treasure hunt, designed to encourage exploration and reflection.

The exhibition is inspired by the history of Glenside Hospital, a psychiatric institution where since the mid-1800s, creativity and purposeful activity have played a key role in mental health recovery.

The Victorian asylum model supported routines that included good food, sleep, exercise, and occupation—offering patients a sense of purpose during recovery.

Stella Man, Director of Glenside Hospital Museum says: “One aspect of staying mentally well is doing things that bring us joy. Historically, Glenside Hospital recognised the value of creative and purposeful activity as part of recovery. With this exhibition, we want to highlight the continued relevance of that idea today.

On display from 8th November until 30th April 2026.

Location: Glenside Hospital Museum, Church within the old hospital grounds, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 1DD
Opening Hours: Wednesdays 10am–1pm and Saturdays 10am–4pm
Tickets: £5 (Annual Pass) | Under 18s Free
Special Events: Launch day Sat 8th November, first public viewing

Located in the stunning 1881 former hospital chapel with stained glass windows and peaceful landscaped grounds, Glenside Hospital Museum invites you to discover the powerful and often surprising stories of mental health care in the U.K.

This unique museum reveals the history of three important institutions:
🔹 Glenside Hospital (formerly Bristol Lunatic Asylum)
🔹 Stoke Park Hospital (caring for people with learning disabilities)
🔹 Beaufort War Hospital (where over 29,000 WWI soldiers were treated)

From a patient-made key that unlocked every door, to evocative documentary drawings by artist Denis Reed, you'll encounter personal and poignant glimpses into the lives of patients and staff. Walk the very same tiles once scrubbed by artist Stanley Spencer during his wartime service as an orderly at the hospital.

We host frequent art exhibitions and our displays explore everything from Victorian psychiatry to early learning disability care and WWI rehabilitation. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or subscribe to our monthly newsletter to be first in the know about our events and exhibitions.

🌟 Tea in the Turret
Climb a secret spiral staircase to our hidden balcony for a bird’s-eye view of the museum. Relax with tea and cake in a uniquely atmospheric setting.
Includes a visit to the museum. Booking essential. Buy tickets via Eventbrite.

🎟 Tickets
£5 standard ticket gives you unlimited visits for 12 months
Under 18s free with a parent or guardian

🕰 Average Visit Time: 1–2 hours (but you’re welcome to stay as long as you like during opening hours)

📍 Getting Here
We're located within the old Bristol asylum walls in Fishponds. Enter via Blackberry Hill near the Old Tavern Pub then look for the church on your left.

🚗 Parking Info

Saturdays: Free parking available outside the museum

Wednesdays: Please use nearby street parking as the car park is only for UWE students and staff.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Glenside Hospital Museum, in the church, Bristol, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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