National Waterfront Museum

About the museum

The National Waterfront Museum opened in Swansea's Maritime Quarter in October 2005 as part of Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales. It was built for about £33.5 million, with money from the Welsh Development Agency and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The building joins a new structure of slate and glass, designed by Wilkinson Eyre, to a listed warehouse that was formerly home to the Swansea Industrial and Maritime Museum. The exhibitions were designed by Land Design Studio.

The museum tells the story of industry and innovation in Wales over the last 300 years. Galleries cover the effects of the Industrial Revolution on people and communities, the transport, materials and networks that shaped Welsh industry, and objects made in Wales from 1930 to the present. Historic objects are shown together with interactive touchscreens and multimedia.

The museum describes itself as the first Museum of Sanctuary in the UK and is currently carrying out improvements, so some areas may look different during a visit.

Highlights

• Robin Goch aircraft hanging from the museum roof
• Galleries on the Industrial Revolution, transport and Welsh-made objects
• Interactive touchscreens and multimedia displays
• Listed warehouse linked to a modern slate-and-glass building
• First Museum of Sanctuary in the UK

Permanent exhibitions

• People, Communities and Lives – A gallery on the impact of the Industrial Revolution on people and communities in Wales.
• Transport, Materials and Networks – A gallery on the transport, materials and large objects behind Wales's industrial history.
• Made in Wales – Objects and artefacts made in Wales from 1930 to the present day.

Founded

2005

Operated by

Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free, but a free ticket should be booked online in advance. 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
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

All three entrances are step-free with automatic or push-button doors, and most lifts take wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Wheelchairs can be borrowed from the welcome desk, and mobility scooters are allowed. A Changing Places toilet is on the ground floor (ask for a key at reception), and accessible toilets and baby changing are on both floors. Hearing loops are at the welcome desk, shop and café counters. Free sensory backpacks with ear defenders can be borrowed. A relaxed quiet hour runs every Monday from 3pm to 4pm. The museum takes part in the Hynt access scheme, which gives free tickets to carers and companions for some events. There is a chill-out space on the ground floor.

Kids & families

• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities

The museum uses interactive touchscreens alongside its objects, and baby changing is available next to the toilets on both floors.

Getting there & parking

From outside Swansea leave the M4 at junction 42 and follow the brown signs. The museum is on Oystermouth Road next to the LC leisure complex; satellite navigation postcode SA1 3ST.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Café with a limited menu and seating, and a museum shop open during visiting hours.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Spaces include the Warehouse Gallery, Weston Hall, the upper foyer and balcony, the Ocean Room and Colonnade, meeting rooms and the GRAFT garden; used for conferences, gala dinners, receptions, weddings and awards.

Plan your visit