Llanwrtyd & District Heritage and Arts Centre

About the museum

The centre is housed in a converted nineteenth-century Congregational chapel in the middle of Llanwrtyd Wells, a small town in mid Wales. When the chapel closed to worshippers in 2009, a group of volunteers began a campaign to save the building and developed the idea of turning it into an arts and heritage centre. After years of fundraising, it opened to visitors in 2016 and is still run by volunteers.

The displays follow the history of the town and its surroundings. Llanwrtyd began as a cluster of small thatched cottages, but its fortunes changed after a sulphur spring was discovered and the railway arrived. For well over a century visitors came to take the waters, and the town has welcomed tourists ever since. Today it is known for walking, pony trekking and mountain biking, and for unusual sporting events such as the Man versus Horse Marathon and the World Bogsnorkelling Championships.

Inside, interactive maps show how the town grew, and visitors can listen to recorded memories of local residents, gathered by the centre's history resource group. Children can follow a frog-themed quiz around the exhibition. The building also contains an art gallery that shows work by local and Welsh makers, with exhibitions, workshops and an open art competition held in July. Outside, a waymarked heritage trail leads around the town, and the centre also hosts small concerts, talks and community events.

Highlights

• Converted nineteenth-century chapel
• Interactive maps showing how Llanwrtyd Wells grew
• Recorded memories of local residents
• Children's "Follow the Frog" quiz and trail
• Art gallery with changing exhibitions
• Waymarked heritage trail around the town

Permanent exhibition

• Story of Llanwrtyd Wells – Interactive exhibits trace the history of the town and its surroundings, from its growth as a spa to the present day, with maps and recorded local memories.

Founded

2016

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry to the centre and art gallery is free. The centre relies on donations, which can be made on site by cash or card or online.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The centre states that entry to the centre and gallery is accessible to all.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

Children can complete the "Follow the Frog" quiz in the exhibition and receive a gift. A separate children's heritage trail around the town follows the same route as the main trail, with a booklet of puzzles and questions.

Getting there & parking

The centre is in a converted Congregational chapel off the A483 in the town centre, on Ffos Road.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The centre has a gift shop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The building can be used for small concerts, recitals and meetings.

Plan your visit