The National Museum of Wales in Cardiff is a beautiful building with a long history, from its origins as a part of the ancient Welsh Principality to its modern role as a cultural and educational centre. Located right at the heart of Cardiff’s city centre, this incredible building contains a wealth of artefacts, exhibitions and collections of art and culture, giving it a well-deserved place as a must-see in the city. In this blog post, we will explore the fascinating history of this museum, as well as highlighting some of its interesting facts and travel guide. So, if you’re looking for ways to make the most of your visit to this iconic building, then read on!
Table of Contents
1. The National Museum of Wales was founded in 1907 and is one of Britain’s oldest national art museums.
2. It is located in the Welsh capital city, Cardiff, and contains a wide variety of art collections, including European, Chinese and Japanese works.
3. The museum was at risk of closing down in 2005 due to lack of funding from the Welsh Assembly but a campaign to save it was successful and it remains open to the public today.
4. It contains a number of spectacular double-height cast iron galleries which house a variety of art collections that span centuries.
5. It was used as a setting for a scene in the Doctor Who episode “Tooth and Claw”, with parts of the interior being re-staged to resemble a Gothic church.
6. The museum is currently home to the world’s largest collection of works by the Welsh artist Gwen John, which is on permanent display.
7. The museum also holds regular events and exhibitions, alongside its permanent collections, featuring both regional and international artists.
8. The museum is well known by fans of Doctor Who for its Doctor Who exhibition, which showcases props, models and costumes from the show.
The National Museum of Wales, Cardiff is an incredible institution that houses a huge array of treasures from Wales and beyond. It was first established in 1907 as the National Museum and Library of Wales, opening to the public in its current Cardiff location in 1927.
The large and impressive building was designed in the Edwardian Baroque style by the architect Henry Edward Kendall Jr. and is now a Grade II listed building. The museum has been extended and renovated several times over the years to keep up with the changing demands and technologies of modern society.
The permanent collections of the National Museum of Wales span several disciplines: fine and decorative arts; applied arts; world cultures; paintings; prints, drawings and photographs; coins, medals and jewellery; natural history; geology; numismatics; heraldry; and industrial and maritime history. The ever-changing programme of special exhibitions ensures that there’s something unique to be discovered within the museum walls.
In addition to the exhibitions, the museum has an impressive range of activities and events which support the work being done by the museum, such as public lectures, a distinctive music programme, educational programmes, conferences, and even a theatre.
The National Museum of Wales offers something for everyone. It is the perfect location to explore Welsh culture, while also offering enriching displays of art, history, and industry. It is home to over four million items spread across a range of collections, all of which serve to educate, entertain, and inspire its visitors.
The National Museum of Wales in Cardiff is a great place to visit for tourists. The museum has been established by the Welsh government since 1907 and is home to a variety of world-class, modern and ancient artifacts. With its collection of art, archaeology, history, natural history, and technology, the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff is a must-see for anyone visiting Wales.
Getting There:
The National Museum of Wales is located in the centre of Cardiff, just a few minutes’ walk from the city centre. The nearest train station is Cardiff Central, which is a few minutes walk from the museum. There are also regular bus services to the museum from the train station.
Opening Times:
The National Museum of Wales is open Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 5pm, and Sunday from 11am to 5pm. Last admission is usually an hour before closing.
Exhibits:
The National Museum of Wales is home to a range of exhibits and displays that focus on the history and culture of Wales. These exhibits range from ancient artifacts and paintings to modern artwork and technology. The museum also features a series of interactive displays and activities.
The museum also offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages, including a family art gallery and a special area for children called the Young Explorers Pack.
Admission:
Admission to the National Museum of Wales is free for all visitors. However, it does require a valid photo ID to enter.
Special Events:
The museum regularly hosts a variety of special events, such as artist talks, theatre performances, lectures, and educational programmes. For more information on upcoming events, you can visit the museum’s website.
Q. What is The National Museum of Wales?
A. The National Museum of Wales in Cardiff is the national museum of Wales. It houses a wide range of collections from archaeology to the arts. It is also home to natural science and technology collections.
Q. What are the opening times of The National Museum of Wales?
A. The National Museum of Wales is open seven days a week. Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm, and 10am – 4pm on Sundays.
Q. Is admission to the museum free?
A. Admission to the National Museum of Wales is free, however, for certain activities, exhibitions and events there may be a charge.
Q. Are there special exhibitions at The National Museum of Wales?
A. Yes, The National Museum of Wales is home to regular special exhibitions from prominent Welsh artists, as well as international collections.
Q. How accessible is The National Museum of Wales?
A. The National Museum of Wales is fully accessible with ramps, lifts and accessible toilets throughout the building. There are also audio guides and deaf loops available.
4 Mar, 2024
4 Mar, 2024