Powysland Museum

About the museum

Powysland Museum looks at the archaeology and social history of Montgomeryshire, the historic county of mid Wales. It is housed on the first floor of a restored historic warehouse beside the Montgomery Canal in Welshpool, in a building known as Y Lanfa that it shares with Welshpool Library.

The first gallery explores how life in mid Wales has changed, with sections on local trades, pubs, the railway, the Laura Ashley company, the two world wars and the Montgomeryshire Yeomanry. The second gallery presents archaeological finds from the area in chronological order, from prehistoric times through the Roman period to the early medieval era. It includes objects found by local residents and material from excavations by the Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust.

The museum closed in May 2024 for building works. A refurbishment costing about one million pounds, funded largely through the Levelling Up programme, improved the whole site beside the canal, including the neighbouring cottages. The museum reopened in July 2026, with one gallery fully accessible first and work on the second gallery due to finish in August 2026.

The museum also runs an outreach programme that lends its handling collection to schools, colleges, nurseries and residential care homes.

Highlights

• Local trades, pubs, the railway and Laura Ashley in the social history gallery
• Archaeological finds from prehistoric to early medieval times
• Restored warehouse beside the Montgomery Canal
• Handling collection lent to schools and care homes
• Free admission

Permanent exhibitions

• Life in mid Wales – Social history gallery on how life in the area has changed, covering trades, pubs, the railway, Laura Ashley, the wars and the Montgomeryshire Yeomanry.
• Archaeology of Montgomeryshire – Local archaeological finds in chronological order from prehistoric times through the Roman period to the early medieval era.

Founded

1874

Operated by

Powys County Council

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• 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 museum is mainly on the first floor and can be reached by lift or stairs. There are two disabled parking bays at the front of the building. This information was published before the recent refurbishment.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

From the A483 roundabout by the railway station, head towards the town centre; the museum is on the left by the bridge over the canal.

Amenities & dining

The building also houses Welshpool Library, which offers free Wi-Fi; it is not stated whether museum visitors can use it.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit