Royal Cambrian Academy of Art
Gallery of the Royal Cambrian Academy of Art in Conwy, showing changing exhibitions by Welsh artists in a former chapel building.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Royal Cambrian Academy of Art began in 1881, when a group of artists drawn to the landscape of North Wales formed the Cambrian Academy of Art. Their first exhibition was held in Llandudno. Queen Victoria allowed the group to use the title Royal in 1882, and the academy soon opened its membership to artists from across Wales.
In 1885 the academy took a lease on the neglected Elizabethan house Plas Mawr in Conwy, restored it and made it its home. An annexe, the Victoria Gallery, was added in 1896 for exhibitions. By the late twentieth century the academy had outgrown Plas Mawr, and in 1994 it gave up the house and turned the neighbouring disused chapel, Capel Seion, into its own gallery on Crown Lane.
Today the academy is an independent charity with more than a hundred artist members. It runs a programme of changing exhibitions, including solo and group shows and an annual open exhibition, together with workshops, life drawing and a children’s summer art club. Work by members shown in the gallery is also offered for sale.
Highlights
- Changing exhibitions of contemporary Welsh art
- Annual open exhibition for artists of all levels
- Gallery in a converted chapel in the centre of Conwy
- Art workshops, life drawing and a children’s summer art club
- Founded
- 1881
- Operated by
- Royal Cambrian Academy of Art (registered charity)
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission to the gallery is free; donations are welcome. Workshops and courses are booked separately.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: not available
- 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
There is no disabled parking nearby, but visitors can be dropped off on Crown Lane.
Kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
The academy runs a children’s summer art school or club, adult workshops and community projects.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Conwy station · 200 m
Conwy railway station is about 200 m away, and Llandudno Junction station is 2 km away. All buses through Conwy stop within 200 m. The taxi rank is on Lancaster Square.
By car
Paid parking · 200 m to the entrance
Three pay-and-display car parks are within walking distance: Market Place next to Conwy station (about 200 m), Vicarage Gardens inside the town walls (about 300 m) and Mount Pleasant on Bangor Road (about 300 m).
- Accessible parking: not available
Crown Lane runs uphill from the High Street, between Plas Mawr and Edwards of Conwy butchers. Crown Lane is narrow and quiet and can be used for drop-off.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
A retail area sells work by Welsh artists and makers, and there is an online shop.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Corporate events
The gallery can be hired for lectures, meetings, classes, launches and receptions, and as a rehearsal space for choirs, orchestras and yoga groups.
Inquiries & details
