National Museum Cardiff

National Museum Cardiff: Wales’ Premier Cultural Destination

Situated in the elegant civic centre of Cardiff, the National Museum Cardiff is a treasure trove of art, natural history, and geology, showcasing over 500 years of artistic achievement alongside Wales’ rich natural and cultural heritage.

Location and Surroundings

Located at Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NP, the museum is easily accessible by public transport, including Cardiff Bus route 27 to Cathays, and is within walking distance of Cardiff Castle and The Principality Stadium. The museum is part of Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales, a family of seven national museums across Wales.

History and Architecture

Founded in 1905 and officially opened in 1927, the museum’s building was designed by architects Arnold Dunbar Smith and Cecil Brewer. Its exterior is adorned with sculptures by notable artists such as Gilbert Bayes and Thomas J Clapperton, representing themes from prehistoric times to the medieval period, reflecting the museum’s broad historical remit.

Collections and Exhibitions

  • Art: The museum houses one of Europe’s finest art collections, with 15 galleries displaying paintings, drawings, sculpture, silver, and ceramics from Wales and across the world. Highlights include Impressionist masterpieces, Old Master paintings, and modern and contemporary art supported by the Derek Williams Trust.

  • Natural History and Geology: Explore Wales’ biodiversity and geological history through extensive collections including insects, plants, vertebrates, molluscs, minerals, and fossils. The Evolution of Wales galleries take visitors on a 4,600-million-year journey from the Big Bang to the present day.

  • Archaeology and Social History: Although archaeology collections have largely moved to St Fagans National Museum of History, the museum still offers insights into Wales’ past through temporary exhibitions and related displays.

  • Special Facilities: The museum includes conservation studios, a framing workshop, and a Prints and Drawings Study Room where visitors can arrange to view works on paper from a collection of 28,000 items.

For more details on current exhibitions, opening hours, and visitor information, visit the National Museum Cardiff official website.

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