If the Arnolfini dominates one side of the Floating Harbour, Spike Island takes care of the other. It’s in good company, spitting distance from the SS Great Britain and Aardman Animations. Focusing on contemporary art and design, with particularly impressive audio installations, it’s also home to an artistic community.
The main exhibition space is cavernous, and shows are usually on a grand scale. They’re almost always free, or at least heavily subsidised. There are regular talks by resident or visiting artists, and you might not escape without getting your hands dirty at one of the free art workshops for adults and children.
Spike really comes into its own on open days, when you’re free to pester the artists in their studios to your heart’s content.