Being Brunel

Being Brunel - New for 2018, Being Brunel explores the life and legacy of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. It brings together for the first time the world's most significant collection of one of engineering's greatest minds.

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Great Western Dockyard
Bristol
Bristol
BS1 6TY

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0117 926 0680

The Events Team

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Brunel's SS Great Britain description

Historic Venue / Business Meeting Rooms / Museum / Party Venue / Wedding Venue

Large (1-300)

Launched in 1843 as the world’s first luxury ocean liner the ss Great Britain was built by one of the world’s greatest and best-loved engineers, Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Situated in one of Britain’s most creative and innovative cities, just two hours from London by train, this venue is in an ideal location for both international guests and those visiting from within the UK. Steeped in history and with versatile spaces both on board and around the dockside, Brunel’s ss Great Britain is one of Bristol’s most exciting and unique venues. Guests from all events are welcome to explore the ship, Dockyard Museum and Dry Dock at their leisure.

The Ship
Space on board includes the bright Promenade deck, the grand First Class Dining Saloon and the Weather Deck, which boasts one of the region's finest waterside views. The SS Great Britain is the perfect space for memorable dinners and drinks receptions. The ship can welcome up to 300 guests for a reception and 220 seated.

The ship can be hired independently or in conjunction with adjacent contemporary spaces – the Brunel Institute and No.1 Brunel Square – to accommodate any event from conferences and board meetings to impressive gala dinners and product launches.

Brunel Institute
Take inspiration from the prestigious Brunel Institute, home of the world’s finest maritime collections. The Brunel Institute also houses a sophisticated contemporary conference space with breakout rooms and impressive views of the SS Great Britain.

No.1 Brunel Square
Just metres from the SSGB and situated on the harbourside, No.1 Brunel Square is a state-of-the-art conference space with meeting and breakout rooms. These adaptable spaces are equipped with dual projectors, Wi-Fi and media compatibility. No.1 Brunel Square is perfect for conferences, exhibitions, corporate banquets and networking events.

The Great Eastern Hall can seat 250 guests in theatre style and 120 in cabaret style

Being Brunel
New for 2018, Being Brunel explores the life and legacy of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. It brings together for the first time the world's most significant collection of one of engineering's greatest minds. Spread across two floors, The Being Brunel Museum provides an insight into one of the greatest engineers of all time, while offering an open and spacious event venue for evening receptions. The opulent Shakespeare room can also accommodate smaller fine dining within a recreation of Brunel’s dining room as it looked in his home of 18 Duke Street in London.

Weddings

For a truly unique and memorable celebration the ss Great Britain is the perfect venue for your wedding ceremony, reception and evening party. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and launched in 1843 the beautifully restored ship lies in the heart of Bristol’s habourside, and offers some of the most spectacular views in the region.

When you choose Brunel’s ss Great Britain for your event you will enjoy the support of a dedicated Events Coordinator. They will support you at every stage, from the initial viewing to the day itself.

The ship is also open for the exclusive use of evening event guests and fully accessible with lifts throughout the site.

Venue suitability

This venue is suitable for the following uses:

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Venue facilities

Within 100 metres

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes - n/a

Other venue facilities

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Explore the rooms this venue has for hire by expanding the sections below.

Steeped in history and with versatile spaces both above and below deck, the exclusive use of the ship can be for you and your guests to enjoy.

Yes

Yes

Enjoy delicious food, fine wines and Champagne in the sumptuous First Class Dining Saloon, once admired by a young and fashionable Queen Victoria. Here guests will be enchanted by the best in early Victorian design, with marble pillars, Rococo mirrors and candle lamps.

The space is perfect for wedding breakfasts or gala dinners. Modern technology and early Victorian opulence combine to ensure the highest standards in luxury and comfort.

Capacity

For dining:

200

Yes

Metres from the ship, The Great Eastern Hall is available for conferences, exhibitions and corporate banquets. A fully versatile space, equipped with impressive dual projectors, WiFi and media compatibility.

Capacity

As meeting room:

120

As theatre:

250

Yes

Yes

Yes

While offering a balcony space for the Viridor Theatre, the Great Western Room can also be closed off to offer a private meeting room with views of the ship. Perfect for private meetings, staff training and presentations.

Capacity

As meeting room:

14

Yes

This is a versatile and more intimate space within the ship, used for presentations, meetings and lunches, or as a bar and dance area when booked along with the First Class Dining Saloon.

Capacity

As meeting room:

40

For dining:

45

As theatre:

50

For dancing:

80

Yes

Yes

The Kirby Laing Room with its impressive curved wall and historic foundation of the steamship engine works, lies in the heart of the Brunel Institute adjacent to the ship.

Capacity

As meeting room:

20

As theatre:

30

Yes

At almost 30 metres in length, with mirrors and extensive wooden decks, the Promenade Deck makes for an impressive venue.

Yes

The Sir Daniel Gooch Suite is a breakout space adjacent to the Great Eastern Hall, which can be booked out as a private meeting room. Perfect for seminars, meetings and training courses.

Capacity

As meeting room:

20

Yes

With spectacular views of the harbourside, the Sir Marc Brunel Room can be used in conjunction with the Great Eastern Hall or as a separate meeting room. Perfect for seminars, presentations or board meetings.

Capacity

As meeting room:

12

As theatre:

12

Yes

This is a sophisticated conference space adjacent to the ss Great Britain, with audio-visual equipment, WiFi and media compatibility.

Capacity

As meeting room:

30

For dining:

55

As theatre:

120

Yes

Boasting one of the region's most impressive views, the Weather Deck provides a stunning space to host drinks and canapé receptions.

Yes

New for 2018, Being Brunel explores the life and legacy of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. It brings together for the first time the world's most significant collection of one of engineering's greatest minds. Spread across two floors The Being Brunel Museum provides an insight into one of the greatest engineers of all time, while offering an open and spacious event venue for evening receptions.

The opulent Shakespeare Room offers fine dining for up to 12 guests. Host your private evening dinner in Brunel’s dining room as it looked in his home of 18 Duke Street in London. Containing commissioned paintings of scenes from Shakespeare’s plays, the room was named the ‘Shakespeare Room’. In this room he and his wife, Mary, entertained family, friends and influential acquaintances who could help Brunel get his projects off the ground.

Capacity

For dining:

12

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