Bristol

01 Oct ‘22 -
31 Mar ‘23

Bristol Central Library, College Green, Bristol, BS1 5TL

StoryTrails features digital experiences that invites residents to experience Bristol like they’ve never seen before through augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and an immersive emotional map of Bristol. The experiences centre around Bristol library as well as on the streets of Bristol itself. Or you can experience it from the comfort of your own home by downloading the Story-Trails app.

Immersive technology allows audiences to travel through time and space to experience the place where they live in new and magical ways. You can explore stories across virtual and augmented reality and via a series of installations by visiting the StoryTrails station at your local participating library. 92% of participants in StoryTrails said they’d learnt something new about their town or city using AR. Download the Story-Trails app here and see what you can discover for yourself about Bristol.

Outside the library you can start a guided bespoke augmented reality trail which takes you on an interactive tour of Bristol. All equipment can be borrowed for free from the library. Local landmarks are transformed to become interactive scenes through which you can explore history at or close to the location it took place in. Created featuring archive footage and recordings from the BBC, BFI and The Box, Plymouth archive and local and national archives you can uncover untold stories presenting a window into the past.

What’s on offer at Bristol Library?

• 6 Virtual Reality Experiences

• Interactive Spacial Map Installation

• Augmented Reality Trail: ‘The Secret Behind Sweetmart’

Download Our App

Download the free StoryTrails app and explore our AR trails in your town or city, or at home!

Download iOS App Download Android App

Guided by the Story-Trails mobile AR app, you will be led at your own pace to different story points along a fixed route. If doing the trail on location, you will enter a virtual story portal outside the local participating library to begin your StoryTrails experience. Or you can access any of the 15 StoryTrails locations trails from home via the Story-Trails app. Using a mix of stunning augmented reality experiences that remix the BFI, BBC and The Box, Plymouth archive, you will experience history where it actually happened, revitalising the streets upon which you stand with new voices and untold stories of the past. Inside the library you will be immersed in a unique virtual map of Bristol made up of 3D models, and audio stories captured on location.

Accessibility

Bristol library has two entrances. There are steps to the main entrance. The second entrance has steps and a ramp, and can be accessed from Deanery Road. There is signage from the main entrance. There is a lift to reach other levels and there is an accessible toilet on the first floor.