Carmarthenshire Museum
Free county museum in the former Bishop’s Palace at Abergwili with galleries on Carmarthenshire history, a Victorian school room and a Second World War kitchen.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum occupies a historic building that began life as a college of priests founded in the 1280s. From 1542 to 1974 it was the palace of the Bishops of St Davids, and the New Testament and Book of Common Prayer were first translated into Welsh there in 1567 under Bishop Richard Davies.
The county museum was established in 1908 and is owned and run by Carmarthenshire County Council, under the Cofâgr brand that also covers the Dylan Thomas Boathouse in Laugharne and other council venues.
Its galleries trace the history of Carmarthenshire, starting with the story of people and protest. They also cover Welsh crafts, customs, farming and fine art, and include a Victorian school room and a Second World War kitchen. Some prehistoric and Roman archaeology and early Christian memorial stones are temporarily off display while two new galleries are renovated.
The palace chapel and old kitchen can also be seen, and the building stands in Bishop’s Park above the Tywi Valley.
Highlights
- Galleries on Carmarthenshire history, beginning with Power, People and Protest
- A Victorian school room
- A Second World War kitchen
- The palace chapel and old kitchen
- Bishop’s Park with views over the Tywi Valley
Permanent exhibitions
- Power, People and Protest – The opening gallery of the museum’s account of Carmarthenshire history.
- Victorian School Room – A recreated Victorian classroom on the first floor.
- Second World War Kitchen – A home-front kitchen from the Second World War.
- Founded
- 1908
- Operated by
- Carmarthenshire County Council (Cofgâr)
- Visitors per year
- approx. 12,889
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission is free; the museum suggests a donation of £5 per person. Commercial and wedding photography at the museum and park is charged.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The main entrance is step-free with an automatic door, and a lift behind the Main Hall reaches the first-floor galleries. Two accessible toilets are on the ground floor, and a portable induction loop can be borrowed at Reception without booking. Accessible parking spaces are opposite the entrance, with a drop-off point at the door, and routes from the car park are level. Seating is available in the Main Hall and on the first floor, and the Chapel is usually the quietest space. Trained assistance dogs are welcome on a lead.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Stroller-friendly
- Baby changing facilities
The museum hosts regular events especially for families. Single buggies and pushchairs fit throughout, but multi-child buggies may not fit some historic doorways. Baby changing is available in the accessible toilet and the female toilet on the ground floor.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Carmarthenshire Museum (routes 279–282)
Bus routes 279, 280, 281 and 282 serve the museum directly, and routes 280 and 281 stop outside several times a day (Monday to Saturday, not Bank Holidays). Carmarthen Bus Station on Blue Street is the hub for other services. Carmarthen railway station is about a 10-minute walk from the bus station and about 50 minutes’ walk from the museum.
By car
Parking available
Main car park with two areas of accessible spaces opposite the entrance; a separate car park for the Tywi Valley Cycle Path lies just outside the Bishop’s Park wall.
- Accessible parking
The Tywi Valley Cycle Path starts at the museum and National Cycle Route 47 passes nearby. There is a bike rack at Bishop’s Park Reception and an electric bike charger beside the accessible spaces.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
- Coat check
Stacey’s Kitchen next door serves hot and cold food and snacks, and the gift shop sells cold drinks, ice creams and local products. There is storage for bags and coats, and picnic tables and benches in Bishop’s Park.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
Venue hire enquiries go to the Cofâgr team.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Photography | Personal photography is allowed; commercial and wedding photography is charged and commercial filming needs permission from the council. |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Weekends, school holidays and event days are usually the busiest times. |
