At-Bristol ({{gbmapping|ST585726}}) 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 mechanics , sound and light, computer science , space and the human brain . 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£ 44.3 million by 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.

The artistic planetarium and water features in Millennium Square

The centre is situated on the former Cannons Wharf, Wildwalk occupying a modified 19th century former leadworks 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 .

Compare with: Eden Project .

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