Bristol is a city in the south west of England that straddles the River Avon and is characterized by a prosperous maritime history. The old central port is now a cultural center that locals call Harborside, where the M Shed Museum is located, dedicated to the industrial and social heritage of the area. The port's warehouses, dating back to the 19th century, are occupied by restaurants, shops and cultural institutions, such as the Arnolfini, a contemporary art gallery.