Newport Museum and Art Gallery
Free city-centre museum and art gallery telling the story of Newport from prehistory to the 1900s, with Roman and Chartist collections.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Newport Museum and Art Gallery was founded in 1888 and has collected evidence of Newport’s history, culture and environment ever since. Today it cares for more than 60,000 objects, grouped into collections of archaeology, social history, natural history and art.
The museum is on the first floor of a building on John Frost Square that it shares with Newport Central Library, and the art gallery is on the third floor. The displays tell the story of Newport from prehistoric times to the 1900s. Of particular interest are the Roman collection, with finds from nearby Caerleon, and the Chartist collection, which records the Chartist movement in the town.
The art collection includes more than 7,000 works by British artists, and the museum is also known for a collection of over 350 teapots shown in themed cabinets and period room settings.
The museum is run by Newport City Council, is free to visit, and has received support over the years from bodies including the Welsh Government, the Arts Council of Wales, the Art Fund and the Heritage Lottery Fund. An independent group, the Friends of Newport Museum and Art Gallery, supports its work.
Highlights
- Story of Newport from prehistory to the 1900s
- Roman collection with finds from Caerleon
- Chartist collection
- Art collection of British works
- Teapot collection in themed cabinets and period rooms
- Free admission
Permanent exhibition
- The story of Newport – Displays follow Newport from prehistoric times to the 1900s, with Roman finds, the Chartist movement and social history.
- Founded
- 1888
- Operated by
- Newport City Council
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission is free, and so are talks and special events.
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
The entrance is level with John Frost Square and has automatic doors. A lift serves all floors; for lift access to the mezzanine, visitors should ask staff at the information desk on the first floor. Stairs to the first floor (31 steps) and the third floor (43 steps) are the alternative. Accessible toilets are on the first and second floors, and a staffed information desk is on the first floor. Assistance dogs are welcome and water is provided. Seating with arm rests is available in the galleries, and lighting is lower than normal to protect the objects. A minicom (text telephone) is available on 01633 656657.
Kids & families
- Baby changing facilities
Baby changing facilities are on the first floor.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Newport railway station · 10-min walk
Newport railway station on Queensway is about a 10-minute walk away. Buses stop at Newport Market bus station and Friars Walk bus station, a short walk from John Frost Square.
By car
Parking available · 400 m to the entrance
There is no vehicle access to the front of the building. The nearest car park is the Kingsway Centre car park, signposted from the main routes, about 400 metres from the entrance on level ground.
Newport is reached easily from the M4. The museum shares its building with Newport Central Library, in the corner of John Frost Square near the entrance to the Kingsway Centre.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
Limited seating in the gallery areas. Public toilets are on the third floor.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 20 min |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Introductory tours of about 20 minutes run on Fridays at 11:00 and on Saturdays at 11:00 and 14:30 from the information desk on the first floor. Tours in Welsh and group tours can be booked by email. |
