# National Museum Cardiff

> Main site of the national museum of Wales, United Kingdom

**Wikidata**: [Q1321874](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1321874)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Museum_Cardiff)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/national-museum-cardiff

## Summary

National Museum Cardiff was founded on January 1, 1912.

## Summary
The **National Museum Cardiff** is the main site of the national museum of Wales, located in Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. It serves as a major cultural and educational institution, housing extensive collections of art, natural history, and geology, and operates as part of **Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales**, a network of national museums across Wales.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name:** National Museum Cardiff (Welsh: *Amgueddfa Genedlaethol Caerdydd*)
- **Inception:** Founded on **January 1, 1912**
- **Location:** Cathays Park, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom (**Coordinates:** 51.485577° N, -3.177128° W)
- **Parent Organization:** **Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales** (headquartered in Cardiff)
- **Type:** Art museum, natural history museum, and cultural institution
- **Phone:** +44 300 111 2333
- **Website:** [museum.wales/cardiff/](https://museum.wales/cardiff/)
- **Aliases:** Museum of Cardiff, Cardiff Museum, National Museum & Gallery Cardiff, National Museum of Wales, Museum Cardiff, NMW, NMWC
- **Sitelink Count:** 23 Wikipedia language editions
- **Part of:** **Castle** community in Cardiff
- **Country:** United Kingdom (constituent country: Wales)
- **Identifiers:**
  - **VIAF:** 154757441
  - **GND:** 4085151-5
  - **Library of Congress:** n79063889
  - **BnF (France):** 12035077v
  - **National Library of Wales:** 032653778
  - **Freebase:** /m/03qw9h
  - **Getty TGN:** 7008742
  - **Wikidata ID:** Q10690

## FAQs
**What is the National Museum Cardiff?**
The National Museum Cardiff is the primary site of Wales' national museum system, located in Cardiff. It houses collections spanning art, natural history, and geology, serving as a key cultural and educational hub for Wales and the broader UK.

**When was the National Museum Cardiff established?**
The museum was officially founded on **January 1, 1912**, and has since become a cornerstone of Welsh heritage and public education.

**What collections does the National Museum Cardiff feature?**
The museum showcases a diverse range of exhibits, including Welsh and international art, natural history specimens, and geological artifacts. It is part of **Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales**, which oversees multiple museums across the country.

**Where is the National Museum Cardiff located?**
The museum is situated in **Cathays Park, Cardiff**, within the **Castle** community. Its coordinates are **51.485577° N, -3.177128° W**, placing it in the heart of Wales' capital city.

**What is the relationship between the National Museum Cardiff and Amgueddfa Cymru?**
The National Museum Cardiff is the flagship institution of **Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales**, a network of national museums in Wales. The parent organization is headquartered in Cardiff and oversees the museum's operations, collections, and public programs.

**How can visitors contact or visit the National Museum Cardiff?**
Visitors can reach the museum by phone at **+44 300 111 2333** or visit its official website at [museum.wales/cardiff/](https://museum.wales/cardiff/). The museum is located in **Cathays Park**, easily accessible within Cardiff.

**What are the alternative names for the National Museum Cardiff?**
The museum is also known by several aliases, including *Amgueddfa Genedlaethol Caerdydd* (Welsh), *Museum of Cardiff*, *Cardiff Museum*, *National Museum & Gallery Cardiff*, and *National Museum of Wales*.

## Why It Matters
The National Museum Cardiff plays a pivotal role in preserving and showcasing Wales' cultural, artistic, and natural heritage. As the main site of **Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales**, it serves as a central repository for Welsh history, art, and scientific specimens, making these resources accessible to the public, researchers, and educators. The museum's location in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, underscores its importance as a symbol of national identity and a hub for cultural exchange. By housing diverse collections—from fine art to geological exhibits—the museum bridges Wales' past and present, fostering education, tourism, and community engagement. Its affiliation with **Amgueddfa Cymru** ensures that it contributes to a broader network of institutions dedicated to preserving Wales' unique heritage for future generations.

## Notable For
- **Flagship Institution:** The main site of **Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales**, the national museum network of Wales.
- **Cultural Hub:** Houses significant collections of Welsh and international art, natural history, and geology.
- **Historic Location:** Situated in **Cathays Park, Cardiff**, a key cultural and administrative area in Wales' capital.
- **Bilingual Identity:** Operates under both English (*National Museum Cardiff*) and Welsh (*Amgueddfa Genedlaethol Caerdydd*) names, reflecting Wales' bilingual heritage.
- **Long-Standing Legacy:** Founded in **1912**, with over a century of service as a public museum.
- **Part of a Larger Network:** Integral to **Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales**, which includes multiple museums across Wales.
- **Accessible Collections:** Offers free entry to its permanent exhibitions, making cultural and scientific knowledge widely available.
- **Educational Role:** Serves as a critical resource for schools, researchers, and the general public, supporting formal and informal learning.
- **Architectural Significance:** Housed in a prominent building in **Cathays Park**, contributing to Cardiff's historic and civic landscape.
- **Global Recognition:** Listed in multiple international authority databases, including **VIAF, GND, Library of Congress, and BnF**.

## Body

### **History and Establishment**
The **National Museum Cardiff** was officially established on **January 1, 1912**, as part of a broader initiative to create a national museum system for Wales. It was developed under the auspices of **Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales**, which was founded to preserve and promote Welsh heritage across multiple disciplines, including art, natural history, and archaeology. The museum's creation coincided with a period of cultural and civic development in Cardiff, which was emerging as a major industrial and administrative center in the early 20th century.

### **Location and Architecture**
The museum is located in **Cathays Park**, a civic and cultural hub in central Cardiff. Its coordinates are **51.485577° N, -3.177128° W**, placing it near other significant institutions such as **Cardiff City Hall** and **Cardiff University**. The building itself is an example of early 20th-century architecture, designed to reflect the museum's role as a center of learning and public engagement. The **Castle** community, where the museum is situated, is a historic area of Cardiff, further emphasizing the institution's ties to the city's heritage.

### **Collections and Exhibitions**
The **National Museum Cardiff** houses a wide range of collections, including:
- **Art:** Features Welsh and international paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, with works spanning from the Renaissance to contemporary pieces.
- **Natural History:** Includes exhibits on Welsh wildlife, geology, and paleontology, showcasing specimens from Wales and beyond.
- **Geology:** Highlights Wales' rich geological history, including fossils and mineral samples from key sites across the country.

The museum's collections are curated to reflect Wales' cultural and scientific contributions, making it a vital resource for both academic research and public education.

### **Affiliation with Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales**
The **National Museum Cardiff** is the flagship institution of **Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales**, a network of national museums that includes:
- **St Fagans National Museum of History** (open-air museum)
- **National Roman Legion Museum** (Caerleon)
- **Big Pit National Coal Museum** (Blaenavon)
- **National Wool Museum** (Drefach Felindre)
- **National Slate Museum** (Llanberis)
- **National Waterfront Museum** (Swansea)

This network ensures that Wales' heritage is preserved and accessible across the country, with the **National Museum Cardiff** serving as the central hub for art and natural history.

### **Governance and Operations**
The museum operates under the governance of **Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales**, which is headquartered in Cardiff. The organization is responsible for the museum's strategic direction, collections management, and public programs. The museum's operations are supported by funding from the Welsh Government and other public and private sources, ensuring its continued role as a free-to-access institution.

### **Public Engagement and Education**
The **National Museum Cardiff** plays a key role in education and community engagement. It offers:
- **School Programs:** Tailored educational visits and resources for students of all ages.
- **Public Lectures and Events:** Regular talks, workshops, and temporary exhibitions that explore various aspects of Welsh and global heritage.
- **Research Facilities:** Access to collections for academics and researchers, supporting scholarly work in art history, natural sciences, and archaeology.

The museum's commitment to bilingualism (Welsh and English) is evident in its signage, publications, and public programs, reflecting Wales' official bilingual policy.

### **Identifiers and Digital Presence**
The **National Museum Cardiff** is cataloged in numerous global authority databases, including:
- **VIAF (Virtual International Authority File):** 154757441
- **GND (German National Library):** 4085151-5
- **Library of Congress:** n79063889
- **BnF (Bibliothèque nationale de France):** 12035077v
- **National Library of Wales:** 032653778
- **Freebase:** /m/03qw9h
- **Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names (TGN):** 7008742
- **Wikidata ID:** Q10690

These identifiers ensure that the museum is recognized and accessible in international research and cultural databases.

### **Related Entities and Connections**
- **Cardiff:** The museum is a key cultural institution in **Cardiff**, the capital and largest city of Wales.
- **Wales:** As part of **Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales**, the museum contributes to the preservation and promotion of Welsh heritage.
- **United Kingdom:** The museum operates within the broader context of the UK's cultural and museum sector, collaborating with institutions such as the **British Museum** and **Natural History Museum**.
- **Castle (Cardiff Community):** The museum is located within the **Castle** community, a historic area of Cardiff with ties to the city's medieval and industrial past.

### **Accessibility and Visitor Information**
The **National Museum Cardiff** is committed to accessibility, offering:
- **Free Entry:** Permanent exhibitions are free to the public, with charges applying only to special exhibitions or events.
- **Facilities:** Includes amenities such as a café, gift shop, and accessible spaces for visitors with disabilities.
- **Transport Links:** Easily accessible via public transport, with Cardiff Central Station and multiple bus routes serving the area.

### **Future Directions**
The museum continues to evolve, with ongoing efforts to digitize collections, expand public programs, and enhance its role as a center for Welsh culture and heritage. Future initiatives may include:
- **Digital Exhibitions:** Increased online access to collections through virtual tours and digital archives.
- **Community Partnerships:** Collaborations with local schools, universities, and cultural organizations to broaden engagement.
- **Sustainability:** Implementation of eco-friendly practices in museum operations and exhibitions.

### **Conclusion**
The **National Museum Cardiff** stands as a cornerstone of Welsh cultural and scientific heritage. Through its collections, exhibitions, and public programs, it preserves and promotes the history, art, and natural history of Wales, serving as a vital resource for education, research, and community engagement. Its affiliation with **Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales** ensures that it remains at the forefront of Wales' museum sector, contributing to the nation's identity and global cultural presence.

## References

1. [Source](https://vocaleyes.co.uk/research/heritage-access-2022/benchmark/)
2. [Source](https://museum.wales/cardiff/about/)
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. [Source](https://artuk.org/visit/venues/national-museum-wales-national-museum-cardiff-2035)
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. [Source](https://gov.wales/find-toilets-open-public)
7. [Source](https://www.visitwales.com/attraction/museum/national-museum-cardiff-516383)
8. Quora
9. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File