National Museum Cardiff
Wales's national art, geology and natural history collections in Cardiff's civic centre, from Impressionist paintings to dinosaurs. Entry is free.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
National Museum Cardiff holds the national collections of art, geology and natural history for Wales. It is part of Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales, which was established by royal charter in 1907. The museum stands in the civic centre of Cardiff at Cathays Park and celebrates the centenary of its building, which was formally opened in 1927, in 2027, while its team explores ways to improve and redevelop the site for visitors.
The art galleries cover about five hundred years of paintings, drawings, sculpture, silver and ceramics from Wales and around the world, and include one of Europe's finest collections of Impressionist art. The natural science galleries take visitors on a journey through Welsh landscapes and habitats, from the seashore to the mountains. The Evolution of Wales gallery follows 4,600 million years from the Big Bang to the present, showing how life developed in Wales and which dinosaurs lived there.
The museum also offers handling collections, family trails, a lecture theatre and a programme of changing exhibitions and events. Admission to the permanent galleries is free thanks to support from the Welsh Government.
Highlights
- One of Europe's best collections of Impressionist art
- The Evolution of Wales gallery, with dinosaurs and a woolly mammoth
- Natural history galleries from the seashore to the mountains
- Five centuries of Welsh and international art
- Clore Discovery Centre, where visitors can handle objects
Permanent exhibitions
- Art – About five hundred years of paintings, drawings, sculpture, silver and ceramics, including one of Europe's best collections of Impressionist art.
- The Evolution of Wales – A journey from the Big Bang through 4,600 million years that shows how life developed in Wales, including its dinosaurs.
- Natural History – An expedition from the seashore to the mountains showing the habitats of Wales.
- Founded
- 1907
- Operated by
- Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales
- Visitors per year
- approx. 373,191
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Children & teens | –Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. |
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| Visitors with disabilities | –Carers and companions with a Hynt card can get free tickets to some events and exhibitions. |
| Groups | –Pre-booked coach groups receive 10 per cent off in the gift shop (minimum spend £5 per person). |
Admission is free, and booking a free day ticket in advance is recommended. A charge may apply to some exhibitions, events and activities. The visitor car park costs £6.50.
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 on Gorsedd Gardens Road has 16 steps with handrails, or an accessible walkway at the front of the building; visitors arrive on level two. Most lifts take wheelchairs and scooters and give audio announcements, but a few are operated by a museum assistant. The level three natural science galleries are in the west wing only. Staff cannot assist wheelchair users around the museum. Manual wheelchairs, mobile seating sticks and ear defenders can be borrowed free from the information desk, and portable stools are in some galleries. Accessible toilets are on level one and a Changing Places toilet there has a hoist and adjustable bed (radar key from the welcome desk). Induction loops are fitted in the Evolution of Wales gallery, at the information desk, in the shop, the restaurant and coffee counters, and in the Reardon Smith Theatre. Blue Badge holders park free in four spaces at the rear of the visitor car park and in more spaces on Gorsedd Gardens Road. Assistance dogs are welcome. British Sign Language events are listed in the What's On guide, and a visual story is available to prepare for the visit. Lighting is low in some natural science galleries, automated animal sounds play near the mammoth, and some galleries are cold.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
- Stroller-friendly
- Baby changing facilities
- Playground / play area
Family trails and activity sheets help children explore the galleries, and an activity booklet is available for the art galleries. At the Clore Discovery Centre visitors can open drawers and handle hundreds of objects, with microscopes and magnifiers to hand. A children's play area is near the Oriel Restaurant. Baby changing facilities, high chairs in the restaurant and coffee shop, child portions and bottle warming on request are available. Buggy parking and lockers are provided, and children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Journeys by public transport can be planned with Traveline Cymru (traveline.cymru, 0800 464 0000).
By car
Paid parking
The visitor car park is behind the museum, off Museum Avenue, and costs £6.50. Blue Badge holders park free (verify the badge at the intercom on the exit barrier), with more disabled spaces at the front on Gorsedd Gardens Road.
- Accessible parking
The main entrance is on Gorsedd Gardens Road.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Restaurant
- Museum shop
- Coat check
- Lockers
The café in the Main Hall serves drinks and snacks, and the Oriel Restaurant is open at weekends and in school holidays. Lockers cost £1 with a refundable deposit, and luggage storage is available for a £5 donation. There is a gift shop, a multifaith room that can be reserved, and a lost property service.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | Only assistance dogs are allowed in the building. Pushchairs are allowed and there is a buggy park in the Main Hall. |
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