At-Bristol : Attaraction of Belfast

t-Bristol is a pioneering public science and technology “exploration” and education centre in Bristol, England. The centre incorporates Wildwalk, a biome, the biology section of the site, and Explore, which contains features on physics, earth science, chemistry, computer science and technology. At-Bristol also incorporates an IMAX cinema and a planetarium. At-Bristol is particularly aimed at families and children.

The project opened in 2000 as the successor to the Exploratory, a small science museum and demonstration centre in the former terminus train shed at Temple Meads Station (now home to the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum), but moved to a city centre site as part of the regeneration of the historical Floating Harbour. The project was funded with UK£45 million by the National Lottery, Millennium Commission, South West of England Regional Development Agency and Bristol city council, and a further £45 million from commercial partners, including a controversial donation from Nestlé.

The centre is situated on the former Cannons Wharf, Wildwalk occupying a modified 19th century factory building and Explore occupying a 540ft by 133ft 1906 railway goods shed. The goods shed was one of the first buildings to use reinforced concrete and both buildings are Grade II listed buildings. The buildings are located around Millennium Square - also part of the regeneration - and Pero’s Bridge, a footbridge across the harbour which links it to the Arnolfini art gallery, Bristol Industrial Museum and Queen Square.

The centre is popularly known as @Bristol, due to the appearance of its logo. This features the word at surrounded by a partial circle, reminiscent of an @ symbol. However, the official spelling is At-Bristol, which is how the name appears on the web site and promotional material.

The IMAX and Wildwalk are two of the principal hosts of the Bristol Festival of Nature.