Press Releases

The visit allows the Minister to explore one of the National Museums & Galleries of Wales' (NMGW) busiest sites, which has benefited greatly from the Assembly Government's free entry policy.

It will also be an opportunity for Mr Pugh to find out about some of the museum's recent successful partnership work with the local community, through the Llanberis Partnership project. One of its successes is a new public transport scheme for the village, acting as a centrepoint for buses and trains running in this popular area.

Welsh Slate Museum Keeper, Dafydd Roberts said:

"We are delighted to welcome the Minister here to the museum. With over 65,000 visitors to the site over the summer months, the Welsh Slate Museum has definitely secured its place as one of north west Wales' main attractions.

"With a percentage of the recent grant given by the Welsh Assembly for collections management being spent here at the Slate Museum, Mr Pugh's visit is timely and very welcome."

The Minister added:

"The Slate Museum is a really top-class attraction. Wales' industrial heritage is such an important part of our national identity, and NMGW is doing an outstanding job in ensuring this heritage is as accessible to as many people as possible."

Over the past few months the Minister has visited NMGW's three industrial sites, the Welsh Slate Museum, Big Pit: National Mining Museum of Wales and the National Woollen Museum at Dre-fach Felindre. The three museums form an integral part of NMGW's industrial strategy.

With the support of the Welsh Assembly Government and other financial partners, £40 million has been invested in Objective One funding areas to celebrate our industrial heritage. The opening of Swansea's National Waterfront Museum in 2005, depicting the story of Welsh industry and innovation, will form a central point for the history of all industries in Wales.

Entry to the Museum is free of charge, thanks to the support of the Welsh Assembly Government. The Minister will arrive at 14.00 on Wednesday 8 September. Local papers and media are encouraged to send reporters and photographers.

Notes to editors
For more details about this press release, contact Julie Williams, Welsh Slate Museum, on 01286 870 630.