Exhibition Preview: Chocolate!, M Shed, Bristol, until May 6 2013

Back in the 17th  century, chocolate was used across Europe as a medical remedy. It took a Royal wedding - of Spanish princess Maria Theresa and King Louis XIV in Versailles in 1660 - to turn it into the indulgent pleasure it is today.

This exhibition explores this long and rich history of chocolate - and the people who made it happen.

Visitors can unwrap the business of chocolate making during the past 250 years, understand the science behind what makes it taste so good and indulge in the nostalgia of brands from days gone by.

Featuring more than 500  items from the museum’s own collection, highlights include the last ever Fry’s Chocolate bar and the final Elizabeth Shaw Mint Crisp chocolates. There are also tins of chocolate rations from the Boer War and World War One and the chance to see the original recipes for Turkish Delights and Vanilla Chocolates.

Working machinery allows visitors to follow the entire chocolate making process from bean to bar and there are chances to design and make your own chocolate box and find out what it was like to work in a chocolate factory.

• Open 10am-5pm (6pm Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays, closed Monday). Admission £3-£5 (free for under-5s, free entry days on February 20, March 20 and April 17, family ticket £10). Visit the exhibition online for accompanying events. Follow M Shed on Twitter @mshedbristol.