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Museum · Cardiff, País de Gales
National Museum Cardiff
The Welsh national museum in Cathays Park, with one of the largest collections of Impressionist art outside Paris, Welsh art, dinosaurs and the country's natural history. Entry to the permanent collection is usually free; check in advance.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About National Museum Cardiff
The National Museum Cardiff sits in Cathays Park, the group of white-stone civic buildings from the early 20th century beside the City Hall. Opened in 1927, it is part of the Amgueddfa Cymru network, the national museum of Wales, and brings together art, archaeology and natural history.
The art galleries are the highlight, especially the Impressionist and post-Impressionist collection donated by sisters Gwendoline and Margaret Davies, granddaughters of a Welsh coal industrialist. There are works by Monet, such as the Water Lilies, Renoir (including The Parisienne), Cézanne, Van Gogh, Degas and Rodin — one of the largest collections of this kind outside Paris. The galleries also show old masters and Welsh art, from Richard Wilson to contemporary artists.
In the natural history section, the Evolution of Wales exhibition tells the story of the land’s formation, with rocks, fossils, dinosaurs and Ice Age mammals like mammoths. There is also a minerals gallery and a marine life gallery, featuring a giant leatherback turtle found off the Welsh coast.
Entry to the permanent collection is normally free. The museum management is considering a temporary closure for work on the building, with no date set yet; check whether it is open before you go.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
2 to 3 hours for the art and natural history galleries.
Best time
In the morning on a weekday; a good option for rainy days. Check the opening days, as the museum often closes on Mondays, and whether there is any temporary closure.
How to get there
It's in Cathays Park, about a 10-minute walk from the Castelo de Cardiff and 15 minutes from Cardiff Central station. Cathays station is 5 minutes away.
Tip
Start with the Impressionist galleries on the upper floor. On leaving, walk through Cathays Park to see the town hall and the surrounding white stone buildings.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about National Museum Cardiff
Does the National Museum Cardiff charge admission?
Admission to the permanent collection is usually free. Check ahead.
What to see in the museum?
The Impressionist collection, with Monet, Renoir, Cézanne and Van Gogh; Welsh art; and the exhibition on the evolution of Wales, including dinosaurs.
Is the museum open?
It's usually open Tuesday to Sunday, but management is considering a temporary closure for works. Check before you go.