National Roman Legion Museum

About the museum

The museum stands inside the area of the Roman legionary fortress of Isca, built at Caerleon around AD 75 and used for more than two centuries to guard the region. Interest in the many Roman finds from the town led to the first museum building, the Caerleon Antiquarian Museum, in 1850.

That building was designed by H. F. Lockwood in a plain box shape with a Doric portico. It was largely demolished when the museum was rebuilt and enlarged in 1987, and only the portico survives in front of the modern, windowless replacement.

Today the museum is part of Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales. Its collection holds about half a million objects from the fortresses at Caerleon and Usk and their surroundings, ranging from coins to uniforms and armour. Exhibitions show how Roman soldiers lived, fought, worshipped and died, and a Roman garden outside offers a quiet place to sit.

The nearby amphitheatre, barracks and baths are separate sites run by Cadw.

Highlights

• Exhibitions on how Roman soldiers lived, fought, worshipped and died
• Collection of about half a million objects from the Caerleon and Usk fortresses
• Roman Garden with a full-size barrack room and replica armour for children at weekends and school holidays
• Close to the most complete Roman amphitheatre in Britain

Permanent exhibitions

• Exhibitions and Artefacts – Objects from the Caerleon and Usk fortresses show how Roman soldiers lived, fought, worshipped and died.
• Roman Garden – A garden with Roman plants, including a full-size barrack room where children can try on replica armour at weekends and school holidays.

Founded

1850

Operated by

Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free; booking a free day ticket in advance is recommended. Some exhibitions, events and activities may charge a fee. Group visits are free but must be booked by email in advance.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: not available
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description

The museum is on one level with slight floor changes, and a portable ramp is available. The main entrance has steps, but there is a level entrance through the glass doors to the right of the front steps. Two accessible toilets suit standard wheelchair sizes, one with baby changing; induction loops are installed at the welcome desk. One wheelchair can be borrowed and should be booked ahead. There are no designated Blue Badge bays, but parking is about 50 yards away. Free audio-described tours are offered, along with a monthly relaxed quiet hour and dementia-friendly tours. Seating is available in the gallery and garden. The Roman Garden has uneven paths.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities

The Roman Garden has a full-size barrack room where children can try on replica armour at weekends and during school holidays. Family activities run in the school holidays, and the museum offers award-winning learning programmes.

Getting there & parking

Follow the brown helmet signs from the M4 (junction 25 westbound, junction 26 eastbound). Satellite navigation postcode: NP18 1AE, recorded as High Street.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

There is no café or refreshment point in the museum; catering outlets are in Caerleon town centre. Picnics are allowed and there are outdoor places to eat.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

A small meeting room, gallery spaces for informal receptions and the Roman garden for drinks receptions.

Plan your visit