Bristol Doors Open Day – now in its seventeenth year – is the day when many of Bristol’s significant contemporary and historic buildings open their doors to the general public with entry to all buildings being completely free.

 Arnos Vale Cemetery is again taking part in Doors Open Day and this year’s event is even more exciting with the launch of the new Sculpture Trail leaflet. We are running Guided tours throughout the day to explore all the sculptures on show over the 45 acres and these tours are only available on the 11th September.

This year Arnos Vale celebrates the launch of 4 new pieces of Memorial sculpture and a sculpture trail in Arnos Vale cemetery, installed as part of the recent site restoration thanks to funds from YANSEC, and in collaboration with the Memorial Arts Charity.

The 4 Memorial Sculptures are part of the Art & Memory Collection of 54 newly commissioned works installed in 6 venues across the UK. Contemporary pieces by Alyosha Moeran, Iain Cotton, David Crowe and Celia Kilner are now on display in the landscape alongside listed monuments and restored memorials dating back to 1839.

The Sculpture Trail is one of four trail leaflets designed by Bang@Venue, written by local journalist Eugene Byrne and illustrated by notable artist Simon Gurr and on sale at Arnos Vale from 11^th September at £1.95.

The beautifully restored Anglican Chapel will host the sculpture launch ceremony, and visitors can enjoy an exhibition of other works, meet the sculptors and enjoy live music throughout the day. Outside, visitors can watch a craft demonstration of the stonemason’s art by sculptor Iain Cotton, try out the new Sculpture trail for themselves, or take a specially-themed guided tour of the most beautiful pieces of memorial art to be found across the 45-acre site.

What you can do on the day:

Come to the Sculpture launch – attended by the Memorial Arts Charity and their sculptors.

Temporary exhibition of sculptures in the Anglican Chapel – contemporary pieces by Alyosha Moeran and Iain Cotton.

Visit our new exhibitions in the West Lodge and Spielman Basement (free entry)

Treat yourself to some refreshments in our Victorian Café in the Spielman Centre

Take a guided tour (special Doors Open Day offer of £3 per adult, children under 12 free)

Try the Sculpture Trail (£1.95 in the East Lodge shop)

The Spielman Centre will also be open as a café so tea and coffee as well as some Arnos Vale cup-cakes will be available.

As so many fabulous venues are open on the 11^th September for you to explore, you may only have time for a whistle stop visit to Arnos Vale on this occasion, so make sure you visit our Heritage Gift Shop where there are four trail leaflets available. Each trail is different and explores different routes and themes. You can return to Arnos Vale on another day and explore the trails in your own time, and at your own pace, at any time of the year. Arnos Vale also runs Guided Tours throughout the year so please see our Events Page on the website for more information of dates, times and how to book.

As part of Doors Open Day, First Buses are offering unlimited travel all day with First Day costs at £3.90 (children £2.30) or First Family at £7.70 for up to 5 people (maximum of five adults) so you can enjoy several venues throughout the day without the worry of parking. Brislington Park and Ride will also be stopping outside HTV Studios which is only a one minute stroll from the Bath Road entrance of Arnos Vale. Parking will be restricted on site so please use public transport whenever possible.

Arnos Vale is open seven days a week and entry is always free of charge. With over 45 acres full of history, wildlife and architecture there is always something new to see or do and events and tours run throughout the year.

Please visit Doors Open Day website for more information on what is available and where. http://www.bristoldoorsopenday.org

*Please note that there will be a small charge for those joining the Guided tours.