Museums in Cardiff

Cardiff is home to a variety of museums catering to a range of interests, from history and art to sports, science and military.

While some may assume science museums are dreary and static, this couldn't be further from the truth! Techniquest science museum in Cardiff offers brilliant immersive displays and experiences, making learning fun for everyone.

Head to Cardiff Bay to explore two floors of family-friendly entertaining interactive displays at Techniquest. There are over 100 different science, environment and technology exhibits to discover, with things to do for all ages including puzzles, machines and a giant piano. Check out the Science Capital's five different zones covering space, the environment, chemistry, world issues and biomedical science. There's also a sensory garden.

It's best to book in advance as they have limited capacity. Prices start from £10. Don't miss the special events - including Planetarium Shows and interactive science workshops. There are scheduled relaxed sessions and toddler days too.

People have been living in and around Cardiff for at least 6,000 years. As well as exploring the city's heritage just by walking around, you can find out more at one of Cardiff's brilliant museums.

Telling the story of Cardiff through the eyes of the people who lived in the city, the Museum of Cardiff is housed in the Old Library, in the city centre. The free museum is a great introduction to the city, with hundreds of personal memories, photos and objects to see. Events include Craft Wednesdays during the summer holidays.

You'll need all day to explore St Fagans! The free open air museum features over 50 historic reconstructed buildings from around Wales, including farmhouses, chapels, shops and a pub. You can meet the farm animals and watch craftspeople at work, book on a ghost walk, or take a crafty course like spoon carving, blacksmithing or botanical illustration. While entry to the museum is free, there is a charge for parking.

Based within the walls of Cardiff Castle, the Firing Line Museum brings military history to life. Full of interpretive displays and regularly changing exhibitions, visitors can discover over 300 years of Welsh military history. Entry to the museum is included in the Cardiff Castle entrance fee.

Spend some time wandering around Cardiff's many art galleries, marvelling at modern art works and exquisite old masterpieces.

National Museum Cardiff is a treasure trove of art and history, boasting one of Europe’s finest collections. The Cardiff museum's galleries include a remarkable array of Impressionist paintings, Welsh pottery, and porcelain. They hold regular exhibitions and events, including after dark science shows, dino sleepovers and silent discos. Admission to the museum is free (some special events may charge), and it’s just a short walk from the city centre.

Celebrating the legacy of Nantgarw porcelain, Nantgarw China Works & Museum allows visitors to delve into the history of porcelain making, see the kiln in action and watch skilled artists at work. The museum also hosts craft workshops and events. Costing £4 admission, it’s open Wednesday to Saturday. Nantgarw is around a 20 minute drive north of Cardiff city centre.

Find out more about your favourite sport and players at one of our sports museums.

The CC4 Museum of Welsh Cricket is the first fully-accredited cricket museum in the UK. It’s located at Cardiff's legendary cricket ground - Sophia Gardens, and features displays and films celebrating the heritage of cricket in Wales. You'll need to contact the museum at least three days before you plan to visit to book. It's a 20 min walk along the Taff embankment to get there from the city centre, or there is parking / bus stops nearby.