Press Releases

Since opening on 17 October 2005, the National Waterfront Museum - part of the Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales family - has welcomed around 240,000 people.

Visitors can explore the exciting human stories about innovation and industry in Wales over the last 300 years through a series of 15 themed exhibition areas.

There are 100 audio visual exhibits including 36 state-of-the-art interactive displays, some very large objects from across Wales including a 28-tonne rolling steel mill from Corus, the world's first steam locomotive, a brick press and one of the very few surviving coal wagons.

There are also events and activities for the whole family throughout the year.

Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales Director General, Michael Houlihan, is delighted with the success of the National Waterfront Museum, and said: "The National Waterfront Museum has undoubtedly grasped the imagination of people in Wales, the UK and beyond. Its success during the first year is a great tribute to all those who have been part of the project, and I am confident that it will continue to go from strength to strength.

"It is a very different type of museum compared to those in many other countries, and forms an integral part of our vision as an organization, which is to become a world-class museum of learning."

The quality of the museum building and the latest technology used to explain the collections have already won a number of awards from various bodies, including the Civic Trust, RIBA Awards and Structural Steel Design Award, shortlisting for the Guardian Family Friendly Museum Award and the Museum and Heritage Awards for Excellence.

Minister for Culture, Welsh Language and Sport, Alun Pugh, said the Museum had a lot to celebrate on its first birthday. "During the past year the Museum has become a national icon both in terms of culture and architecture. It brings to life Wales's industrial history in an engaging and accessible manner ensuring that audiences of all ages can enjoy this important part of our rich and varied heritage. There is something for everyone at this unique museum, which I'm sure will continue to intrigue and educate generations to come."

The £33.5M development was awarded an £11 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund - the largest grant ever awarded in Wales. It was designed by Wilkinson Eyre Architects incorporating a Grade II listed warehouse (formerly the Swansea Industrial and Maritime Museum) linked to a spectacular brand new glass and slate building. The Museum is situated in the Swansea's new Maritime Quarter and forms part of the regeneration of the area. The remainder of the funding came from the Welsh Assembly Government EU Objective One funding and other private donors and sponsors.

Jennifer Stewart, Manager of Heritage Lottery Fund in Wales, said: "HLF is committed to funding projects that both safeguard our shared heritage and make it accessible for everyone in Wales and this project does all of that and more. As well as becoming an important place of learning and enjoyment for the people of Wales and beyond it is contributing to the regeneration of the economy and communities around south Wales. We aim to enable communities to celebrate, look after and learn more about our diverse heritage and this great museum is an integral part of that objective."

Council Leader Chris Holley believes the National Waterfront Museum is a magnificent asset not just to Swansea but also Wales. "The Museum's first year is a tremendous story of success and the Council is immensely proud to be associated with it," he said. "It is a terrific attraction, which is drawing visitors to Swansea city centre and playing an important role in its regeneration."

Notes to Editor

The Museum will mark the first anniversary with the publication of the poem by Gwyneth Lewis, which was read in Welsh and English at the Museum's launch. This will be reproduced as a commemorative limited edition picture, and sold in the Museum Shop. Visitors on the day (17 October) will also be treated to a piece of birthday cake and invited to let us know what their favourite part of the Museum is.

Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales operates six other national museums across Wales. These are National Museum Cardiff, St Fagans: National History Museum, National Roman Legion Museum, Big Pit: National Coal Museum, National Wool Museum and the National Slate Museum.

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