National Museum Cardiff is an art and natural history museum in Cardiff’s civic centre, close to the city centre. Its galleries bring together Welsh and international art, geology and natural history, with works by Monet, Van Gogh and Picasso alongside dinosaurs and other natural history displays. The Evolution of Wales gallery follows the story of the planet and Wales across 4.6 billion years. Admission is free, and the varied collections make this a good stop for art lovers and families. Allow a few hours to explore.
Art from Wales and around the world
The art galleries span around 500 years and include paintings, drawings, sculpture, silver and ceramics. Welsh works sit alongside art from other parts of the world, giving the collection a broad range of subjects and styles.
The Impressionist collection includes paintings by Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh. Other artists represented in the galleries include Picasso, Turner and Lowry. The museum also holds modern and contemporary works, as well as ceramics and traditional Welsh carvings. If you have a particular artist or exhibition in mind, check the museum’s website before your visit.
Natural history and the story of Wales
The natural history displays cover geology and the development of life. In the Evolution of Wales gallery, the story begins with the Big Bang and continues across 4.6 billion years, including dinosaurs and the shaping of the land. Families can look out for the dinosaur displays and woolly mammoths. Other exhibits include a meteorite and moon rock, and displays of British mammals.
The collections also include geology, archaeology, botany and zoology. Their range makes it easy to pair time in the art galleries with exhibits about the natural world and Wales’s past.
Planning your visit
The museum is in Cardiff’s civic centre, within walking distance of the city centre. Its free admission makes it possible to drop in for a shorter visit or set aside several hours for the galleries. A weekday visit can help you avoid busier periods. The museum is closed on Mondays.
Families can collect an activity booklet for exploring the collections. There is a café in the main foyer and another downstairs, along with a shop. Space for eating a packed lunch is also available. The museum has wheelchair-accessible entrances, seating and restrooms.
Häufige Fragen
Is National Museum Cardiff free to enter?
Yes. Admission to the museum is free. You can leave a donation if you wish.
How long should I spend at National Museum Cardiff?
Allow around 2 to 3 hours to explore the art and natural history collections.
What can you see at National Museum Cardiff?
The collections include Impressionist art, Welsh art, ceramics, geology and natural history. The Evolution of Wales gallery includes dinosaurs and woolly mammoths.
Is National Museum Cardiff suitable for children?
Yes. Children can explore natural history displays, including dinosaurs, and use an activity booklet to help guide their visit.
