Museums and Art Galleries
One of the most highly acclaimed visitor attractions in Wales. More of a village chronicling the story of Wales than a museum, this delightful attraction at St. Fagans (west of Cardiff) is not to be missed. Over forty buildings from across Wales are are laid out among 100 acres of parkland to create a fascinating record of Welsh history. The stunning castle with its exquisitely restored gardens give a taste of how the other half lived. Free entry. Tel 029 2039 6521 www.museumwales.ac.uk
One of UK's top ten museums in "Which?" 2000, it houses the largest collection of impressionist paintings in Europe outside Paris, along with the best Welsh art, and world class collections of everything from archaeology to zoology. Open Tuesday- Sunday 10am-5pm- Closed Mondays except Bank Holidays. Tel 029 2039 7951
Houses paintings from the collection of the National Gallery. Tel 029 2070 8870
A unique gallery of Art Deco Design showing a range of comtemporary art. Open Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm. Tel 029 20708047 www.washingtongallery.co.uk
Art Gallery and Concert Venue in converted tythe barn. Tel 01446 799100
Cowbridge Museum
Once a house of correction built in 1806, consisting of two corridors of cells displaying photos and information of local historical interest. Open first Saturday in the month, morning only. www.cowbridge.co.uk
Barry Living History Archive Centre
Explores the history of Barry and the Vale. Tel 01446 722166
Llantwit Major Visitor Centre
(Town Hall) Open May-Sept 10am-1.30pm / 2pm-6pm Sats and Bank Hols/ Sundays 1.30pm-6pm. Tel 01446 796086 www.llantwitmajorvale.co.uk
Porthcawl Museum, John St.
This small museum has a fascinating collection of artefacts, costumes and memorabilia charting history of this coastal town. Tel 01656 782211 www.visitporthcawl.co.uk
Big Pit : National Coal Museum at Blaenavon
At Big Pit you can take an authentic underground tour of a real coalmine with a real miner. Winner of 2005 prize for the Museum of the Year, the museum has a wide range of experiences to captivate the whole family. Open daily, underground tours run 10a.m. -3.30p.m. Tel:01495 790311 www.museumwales.ac.uk
National Roman Legion Museum at Caerleon
The museum lies on a site of Caerleon's ancient Roman fortress, famed for the most complete amphitheatre in Britain and the only visible remains of a Roman legionary barracks in Europe. The museum runs a programme of special events throughout the year to help bring the Romans to life for children and adults. Open daily (Sundays- afternoons only). Tel: 01633 423134 www.museumwales.ac.uk
National Waterfront Museum in Swansea
The Museum tells the story of how industry and innovation have affected the lives of people in Wales over the last 300 years. The latest interactive multi-media technology, mixed with real everyday objects help bring the Industrial Revolution to life. Open daily 10am - 5 p.m. Tel: 01792 638950 www.museumwales.ac.uk
Nantgarw China Works Museum
How Nantgarw, a tiny canal-side village became world famous for its delicate porcelain.
Open April to Sept Tuesday-Sunday 10am - 4.15pm, Oct to March Thursday-Sunday 10am - 3.15pm. Tel 01443 841703
Rhondda Heritage Park, Trehafod
A chance to go underground and see how generations of miners hewed the coal.
Open All Year 10amm-6pm. Tel 01443 682036 www.rhonddaheritagepark.com
Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery
North of Merthyr Tydfil Town Centre on the A470 - Commissioned by Ironmaster William Crawshay in 1824 this grand mansion overlooks his immensely successful ironworks and has been called the most impressive monument of the Industrial Iron Age in South Wales. Set in beautiful parkland on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Open all Year: April to Sept 10am-5pm, Oct to March 10am-4pm Tues-Fri and 12 noon-4pm Sat/Sun. Tel 01685 723112 www.museums.merthyr.gov.uk