Press Releases

Work began in the impressive historical paintings galleries, home to some of the national collection's most famous works. Among the first to be de-hung was Adriaen van Cronenburgh's portrait of Katheryn of Berain, known as 'The Mother of Wales' because of her numerous marriages connecting her to many important Welsh families. The oil on oak panel portrait dates from about 1568.

Whil some of the works will be put in storage while the redevelopment and refurbishment work takes place, others are on show as part of other exhibitions to be shown at the Museum over the coming months. The portrait of Katheryn of Berain forms one of the centre-pieces of the exhibition Faces of Wales, which presents paintings and photographs of people who have contributed to the cultural, political and economic life of Wales over the past 500 years. Also on show at this exhibition is the first AXA Art Photographic Portrait Commission, showing two leading Welsh figures, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams and author Sarah Waters.

Faces of Wales is one of a range of art exhibitions showing over the next eighteen months while some of the art galleries are temporarily closed for refurbishment. Speaking about the current building work at National Museum Cardiff, Director General, Michael Houlihan, says:

"Our redeveloped art galleries will safeguard and improve access to the world renowned national art collection of Wales. The work will also culminate with the whole of the top floor at National Museum Cardiff being devoted to art, providing us with an excellent space to exhibit our magnificent collections."

The refurbishment programme is supported with additional funding by the Welsh Assembly Government.

Faces of Wales runs from 3 June to 24 September 2006. The Museum remains open to the public throughout the refurbishment, with a diverse public programme of exhibitions, displays and events during 2006 and throughout our Centenary in 2007. For more details on our centenary, go to our 07 pages.

National Museum Cardiff is one of seven museums across Wales administered by Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales. The others are St Fagans: National History Museum; National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon; National Wool Museum, Dre-fach Felindre; Big Pit: National Coal Museum, Blaenafon; National Slate Museum, Llanberis and the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

Entry to all Amgueddfa Cymru — National Museum Wales sites is free, thanks to the support of the Welsh Assembly Government.

Notes to Editors

For more details on the redevelopments at National Museum Cardiff, contact Gwenllïan Carr, Head of Press and Public Relations, Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales, (029) 2057 3175.

For more details on Faces of Wales, contact Siân James, Corporate Communications Officer, Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales, (029) 2057 3185.