| Exploratory | |
|---|---|
|
Temple Meads, Bristol
|
|
| Established | 1987 |
| Dissolved | 14 September 1999 |
| Location | Bristol |
| Type | Science museum |
The Exploratory was a science museum in Bristol, England that was established in 1987 by Richard Gregory.[1][2][3][4]
From 1987 to 1989 it was housed in the Victoria Rooms which were designed by Charles Dyer and was built between 1838 and 1842 in Greek revival style.
In 1989 it moved to Bristol's historic old railway station, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. It is the world's earliest surviving railway terminus, which was completed in 1840 and includes the passenger shed and the adjoining former engine and carriage shed. It is over 220 ft long (67 m) with timber and iron roof spans of 72 ft (22 m), this Grade I listed building[5] has been nominated as a World Heritage Site.[6] The building later became the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum.
The successor to the Exploratory was At-Bristol which opened in 2000 at a new site as part of the regeneration of the historical Floating Harbour. The project was funded with £44.3 million from the National Lottery, Millennium Commission, South West of England Regional Development Agency, and a further £43.4 million from commercial partners (including a controversial donation from Nestlé) and Bristol City Council.