Press Releases

Today (14 January 2005), Big Pit: National Mining Museum of Wales was shortlisted for the prestigious Gulbenkian Prize for Museum of the Year. The museum, which underwent a £7.1 million redevelopment last year, is one of only ten museums to be shortlisted across the UK.

Big Pit is one of the National Museums & Galleries of Wales' six sites across Wales, and is the only museum in Wales to be included on the shortlist. Welcoming the Gulbenkian announcement, NMGW Deputy Director General, Eurwyn Wiliam, said:

"We are delighted with today's announcement. This is not only excellent news for Big Pit and Blaenafon, but also for Wales as a whole. As someone closely involved with the redevelopments at Big Pit, I have seen at first hand the transformation of the site, and the important work undertaken by a truly committed group of people.

"2004 was a fantastic year for Big Pit, with a record number of visitors, and today's announcement is a great start to the new year, and a boost for the site as it prepares to reopen for the 2005 season. The Gulbenkian Prize is something all museums aspire towards, and we are therefore delighted to have been placed on this year's shortlist."

Welsh Assembly Government Minister for Culture, Welsh Language and Sport, Alun Pugh, added:

"To be shortlisted for the Gulbenkian Prize is a remarkable accolade, but one that Big Pit fully deserves. Last year's extensive redevelopment work has transformed Big Pit into a truly world-class attraction and it stands out as great example of how museums can successfully bring the past to life. Speaking as a coalminer's son, I am very proud of the hard work and dedication of all the staff at Big Pit and I offer them my warmest congratulations."

Big Pit reopened in February 2004, and the extensive redevelopment was funded principally by the Heritage Lottery Fund, with additional money from the Welsh Assembly Government, the Wales Tourist Board and Local Regeneration Fund, the Coalfield Regeneration Trust and a number of private trusts and funds.

NMGW currently operates six sites across Wales, Big Pit: National Mining Museum of Wales, Blaenafon, National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff, Museum of Welsh Life, St Fagans, Roman Legionary Museum, Caerleon, National Woollen Museum, Dre-fach Felindre and the Welsh Slate Museum, Llanberis. Opening in summer 2005 is the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea, outlining the story of industry and innovation in Wales.

Entry to all NMGW sites is free, thanks to the support of the Welsh Assembly Government. Big Pit opens for the 2005 season on Monday 14 February.