Press Releases
Big Pit reaches final four
Date:
2005-03-22"We are very excited at this excellent news. Big Pit is representative of everybody involved in the coal industry in Wales, and getting as far as the final of this important competition is a tribute to all those people.
"The redevelopment of Big Pit ensured that our future as the National Mining Museum is secure. Reaching the final four in this competition has been a wonderful way for us to celebrate the success of 2004, and the excellent start to the 2005 season."
Big Pit is one of six museums operated by the National Museums & Galleries of Wales (NMGW), which is currently consulting on its Vision for the future via its website, www.amgueddfa-cymru.org. Visitors are also able to have their say on the future direction of the organisation at special internet kiosks, set up at each of the museums across Wales, or by completing a written questionnaire.
Today's announcement has been warmly welcomed by Welsh Assembly Government Minister for Culture, Welsh Language and Sport, Alun Pugh who said:
"Last year's extensive redevelopment work transformed Big Pit into a truly world-class attraction. 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."
Jennifer Stewart, Manager of Heritage Lottery Fund in Wales, the main funder for the Big Pit project, said: "This is one of the most important heritage sites in Wales and it is very rewarding to see the positive impact that over £5 million of Lottery players money has made here, in terms of conservation, regeneration and pride in our coal mining heritage. "
Big Pit is a key site in telling the story of the industrial heritage of South Wales and works closely with HERIAN, the partnership of local authorities, public bodies and voluntary groups set up to champion that heritage as a source of economic and community benefit.
Jeff Pride, Director of HERIAN, warmly congratulated Big Pit on its success in the prestigious competition so far. He said: "The history of mining in South Wales is a fascinating story and Big Pit tells that story in a powerful way that captures people's imagination and gives them a sense of pride in their past."
The redevelopment of Big Pit was completed early in 2004, and 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 Coalfields Regeneration Trust and a number of private trusts and funds.
Other NMGW sites are the 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 later this year 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.