National Museum Cardiff

In the heart of Cardiff, the capital of Wales, stands a beacon of culture and history: the National Museum Cardiff. This magnificent institution is part of the wider network of Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales and offers free entry, thanks to a grant from the Welsh government. While donations are encouraged, visitors are free to explore the museum's vast collections, which span archaeology, botany, fine arts, applied arts, geology, and zoology.

The History of National Museum Cardiff

The story of the National Museum Cardiff began in 1905 when it was founded, with its Royal Charter granted two years later in 1907. The museum's origins are intertwined with the Cardiff Museum, known then as the Welsh Museum of Natural History, Archaeology, and Art. The Cardiff Museum's collection was formally gifted to the National Museum in 1912, marking the beginning of a new era for the institution.

The construction of the museum's current building in Cathays Park, an area renowned for its Edwardian civic architecture, started in 1912. However, the outbreak of the First World War delayed its completion, and it wasn't until 1922 that the museum opened to the public. The official inauguration took place in 1927. The building, designed by architects Arnold Dunbar Smith and Cecil Brewer, is a truncated version of their original grand design. The architectural sculpture scheme, envisioned by Sir W. Goscombe John, features works by notable sculptors such as Gilbert Bayes, Thomas J. Clapperton, Bertram Pegram, and David Evans.

Exploring the Collections

The museum's collections are a treasure trove of knowledge and beauty. The archaeology section offers a glimpse into Wales's distant past, showcasing artifacts from prehistoric times to the medieval period. The botany collection is a botanical wonderland, with specimens that reveal the rich and diverse plant life of Wales and beyond.

Art enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise at the National Museum Cardiff. The museum's fine arts collection includes masterpieces from the Old Masters to contemporary works. The National Museum of Art, which opened in 2011, houses an impressive array of paintings, including works by Amico Aspertini, Frans Snyders, Jan van de Cappelle, and Rembrandt. The landscape paintings of Claude Lorrain, Gaspard Dughet, Salvator Rosa, and Nicolas Poussin are particularly noteworthy, as they prefigure the work of Richard Wilson, often called the father of British landscape painting.

The museum also boasts an exceptional collection of French art, thanks to the generous donations of Margaret and Gwendoline Davies. This collection includes the largest group of Honoré Daumier paintings in the world, significant works by Jean-François Millet, and stunning pieces by Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, and Paul Cézanne. Highlights include Monet's San Giorgio Maggiore at Dusk and Van Gogh's Rain at Auvers.

Interactive Experiences

The Clore Discovery Centre, established in 2011 with funding from the Clore Duffield Foundation, offers an interactive experience for visitors. Here, you can explore 7.5 million items that are usually kept in storage, including insects, fossils, and Bronze Age weapons. The centre is a fantastic resource for school groups and informal educational visits, although advance booking is required.

Welsh Art and Beyond

The museum's dedication to Welsh art is evident in its extensive collection of works by Welsh artists. From the landscapes of Richard Wilson and Thomas Jones to the sculptures of John Gibson, the museum celebrates the rich artistic heritage of Wales. The works of Augustus John and his sister Gwen John, including the famous portrait of Dylan Thomas, are particularly noteworthy. The collection also features pieces by contemporary Welsh artists, such as Sir Kyffin Williams and Ceri Richards.

The museum's 20th-century art collection includes works by renowned sculptors like Jacob Epstein, Herbert Ward, and Eric Gill, as well as painters such as Stanley Spencer, L.S. Lowry, and Oskar Kokoschka. The museum continues to acquire contemporary works, ensuring that its collection remains dynamic and relevant. Notable acquisitions include Pablo Picasso's Nature Morte au Poron, purchased in 2009.

Visiting the Museum

A visit to the National Museum Cardiff is a journey through time and across disciplines. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or a curious explorer, the museum offers something for everyone. The impressive architecture, with its grand columns and intricate sculptures, sets the stage for the treasures within. As you wander through the galleries, you'll encounter the stories of Wales and the wider world, told through the objects and artworks on display.

The museum is conveniently located in Cathays Park, making it easily accessible for visitors exploring Cardiff. With its free entry policy, it provides an inclusive and enriching experience for all. Don't forget to make a donation if you can, to help support the museum's ongoing work in preserving and sharing these incredible collections.

In conclusion, the National Museum Cardiff is more than just a museum; it's a cultural landmark that celebrates the history, art, and natural beauty of Wales. Its diverse collections and engaging exhibits make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Cardiff. So, take a step into this magnificent institution and discover the wonders that await you within its walls.