Museums & Galleries
The scenery in South West Wales speaks for itself. But you'll be captivated by its
Great Indoors too; now even more impressive following a new addition from the National
Museum of Wales. In fact, there are two vastly different museums in Swansea located
within shouting distance of each other - and in that difference they epitomise the
eclectic choice of museums and galleries to be found throughout the region. Swansea
Museum, Wales' oldest, with an engaging jumble of displays, has a show-stopping
neighbour: the National Waterfront Museum on Swansea Marina part of the National Museum of Wales. This £31 million complex pushes the boundaries of museum technology in telling the story of industrial Wales and its people - a great day out - absolutely free.
Enjoy a fantastic interactive day out free at the National Waterfront Museum Swansea and discover the story of Wales – its industry and innovation.
Pembrokeshire's maritime
heritage - from whaling to war at sea - is displayed at Milford Haven's quayside
museum. Whilst at Scolton Manor near Haverfordwest, a bygone rural heritage appears
alongside a 21st century eco-centre. Pembrokeshire's past also lives on at museums
in Tenby, Haverfordwest and Narberth, while Carew's ingenious Tidal Mill makes use
of the rise and fall of the river to power a 19th century corn mill. The flagship Landscape Gallery at St Davids (another partnership with the National Museums of Wales) will be an additional iconic attraction in the area.
Carmarthen's County Museum is a museum piece in itself-it was once the country home
of the bishops of St Davids. The county's legendary reputation inspires much of
the material at Llandovery's Heritage Centre, where you can learn about the medieval
healers, the Physicians of Myddfai, and Wales' very own Robin Hood and Lady of the
Lake.
Wool mills were once the lifeblood of the Teifi Valley. The traditional art and
craft of Welsh weaving is to be found at the National Woollen Museum near Newcastle
Emlyn. The Teifi's waters powered the mills and also yielded salmon and trout to
skilled fishermen, as you'll discover when you visit Cenarth's Coracle Centre, a
museum dedicated to the tiny, one-man craft used on the river for 2,000 years.
Rural meets industrial along the Carmarthenshire coast. It's influential tinplate
and coalmining past is recalled at Kidwelly's Industrial Museum. But travel a few
miles west, across the 'heron-priested shore' of the Tywi and Taf estuaries, and
soak up the natural beauty that inspired Dylan Thomas. Wales' most famous poet and
writer lived at Laugharne's Boathouse, now a museum that pays homage to his life
and work.
From the multi-million pound National Museum of Wales' Waterfront Museum in Swansea
to the smaller local museums and galleries, you will find a wealth of culture and
learning throughout the region, just waiting for you to explore.