Press Releases

As the figures suggest, the Museum is welcoming on average 250,000 visits each year from across Swansea, Wales, Britain and beyond and is most certainly continuing to make its mark on the cultural map.

Since opening in 2005, it has positioned itself as a catalyst for a new-era of museums with its interactive, hands-on technology and has become renowned for its imaginative events and exhibitions, innovative collections as well as award-winning education programmes.

It offers visitors to the city the opportunity to explore the exciting human stories about innovation and industry in Wales, now, over the past 300 years and beyond. There are 100 audio visual exhibits including 36 state of the art interactive displays and some very large and now technologically obsolete objects from across Wales including the world’s first steam locomotive, a brick press and one of the very few surviving coal wagons.

Speaking about the news, Head of Museum Steph Mastoris said: “This is another absolutely fantastic result for us and proves once again that we are meeting the needs and expectations of our visitors.

“The events, exhibitions and educational activities have clearly had a major impact, attracting new audiences and repeat visits. It is also encouraging to see so many people, including university students, using the space for final year degree shows and community events.

“Congratulations must go to the whole team for their exceptional creativity, hard work and determination which has helped us continually move from strength to strength.

“The quality of the whole visitor experience has brought people back time and time again and we look forward to welcoming millions more to theNational Waterfront Museum over the forthcoming years.”

Following this great news is a fun-packed winter season with events to keep the whole family entertained. Highlights include special guest and World Cup rugby referee Nigel Owens who, on Sunday 6 November, will recount amusing incidents from rugby matches, foreign trips and his off-field career as an entertainer. Then on Sunday 4 December, popular weatherman Derek Brockway will be popping in to give visitors an insight into the interchangeable Welsh weather and on Sunday 11 December, the Museum will receive a visit from Santa and real-life reindeers.

Notes to editors

• For more information please contact Marie Szymonski on 01792 638950.

FACT FILE

• The National Waterfront Museum officially opened its doors on Wednesday 17 October 2005.
• The Museum is a partnership between Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales and The City and County of Swansea.
• 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 Musuem achieved its one millionth visit on Saturday 7 November 2009.
• Admission to Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales sites is free thanks to the support of the Welsh Assembly Government.
• Amgueddfa Cymru operates seven national museums across Wales.
• National Museum Cardiff
• St Fagans: National History Museum
• National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon
• Big Pit: National Coal Museum
• National Wool Museum, Dre-fach
• National Slate Museum, Llanberis
• National Waterfront Museum, Swansea