Museums in Cardiff

1. National Museum Cardiff:
Ranked as the finest Cardiff museum, the National Museum Cardiff is also amongst the best historical landmarks that you must visit in the city
Boasting of regions and zones that are artistic, explorative as well as adventurous, there are numerous permanent and temporary exhibits that you can find in the National Museum Cardiff
It is here where you can find one of the best collections of modern art in all of Europe, in addition to galleries with displays on botany, zoology, as well as ancient artefacts
The National Museum Cardiff is also a great place to gain insights about the story of Wales, right from the Big Bang to the Red Wall, among other things
Location: Cardiff CF10 3NP, United Kingdom
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. (Closed on Monday)

2. Cardiff Story Museum:
One of the best museums in Cardiff where you can learn about the story of this Welsh capital is the Cardiff Story Museum
With a history that dates back to several hundreds of years, it is the Cardiff Story Museum that makes your attempt to learn about the city’s past a lot easier
The museum houses a collection of more than 3000 objects, memorabilia and a plethora of other artefacts related to the city’s history, a lot of which have been kindly donated by the residents and communities of Cardiff
Location: The Old Library, The Hayes, St David’s Centre, Cardiff CF10 1BH, United Kingdom
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 04:00 p.m.

3. Norwegian Church Arts Centre:
Considered to be one of the top museums Cardiff, the Norwegian Church Arts Centre is your answer to gaining insights about the Scandinavian links of Cardiff Bay
The art centre-cum-museum is one of the most significant landmark buildings in the city, and reopened in the year 1992
Some of the best displays and exhibits here include artefacts, photographs and other mementos that offer a glimpse into the multitude of Scandinavian sailors who settled here over the many centuries
Additionally, it is also the place where the famous author Roald Dahl was baptised
Location: Bay, Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Harbour Dr, Cardiff CF10 4PT, United Kingdom
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)

4. St. Fagans National Museum of History:
When looking for some of the most popular heritage attractions, the St. Fagan’s National Museum of History is the top Museum Cardiff that you should pay a visit to
Tucked amidst the picturesque and serene gardens of St. Fagans Castle, this open-air museum is nothing short of a romantic love letter to the age-old region of Wales
There are more than 40 buildings that together make up the St. Fagans National Museum of History, and offer amazing insights into the different eras of the long and rich past of the nation
Location: Cardiff CF5 6XB, United Kingdom
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.

5. Whitewall Galleries:
Amongst the most unique and offbeat Cardiff museums and art galleries is the Whitewall Galleries, a contemporary fine art gallery tucked cosily in the St. David’s Centre in the city
The Welsh branch of the Whitewall Galleries located all over the United Kingdom; this branch is also the only one in all of Wales
This branch of the art gallery is best known for its plethora of some of the best pieces of contemporary fine art which you can not only admire, but also get your hands on
It boasts of having some of the most beautiful and original paintings, collectible artwork editions, as well as sculptures by noted artists from all over the world
Location: 24-26 Town Wall, St David’s Centre, Cardiff CF10 2EW, United Kingdom
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.

6. Cardiff MADE:
If you wish to spend some time in a rather unique museum of Cardiff, then the Cardiff MADE is the place for you
Cardiff MADE is one place where you can discover numerous permanent as well as temporary exhibitions showcasing a wide array of things, from paintings and sculptures, to pottery and more
This community-centric attraction gets its name Cardiff MADE from “makers, artists and designers,” and also houses a shop and workshop area where you can also buy things that you like in the museum, or indulge in a unique workshop experience
Location: 41 Lochaber St, Cardiff CF24 3LS, United Kingdom
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)

7.Firing Line: Cardiff Castle Museum of the Welsh Soldier:
The Cardiff Castle Museum of the Welsh Museum is a standalone Cardiff museum, and is the best place to learn about the history of the Welsh soldiers
It gets its name Firing Line owing to the fact that there are various exhibits in this museum, including artefacts and memorabilia from the 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards as well as the Royal Welsh, which are two regiments of the British Army
In addition to other displays, photographs and things belonging to the Welsh soldiers, along with stories of their struggles and sacrifices, the museum is also home to a pair of Victoria Crosses from ages ago
Location: Castle St, Cardiff CF10 3RB, United Kingdom
Timings: 09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. (Closed on Saturdays and Sundays)
Entry fee: £9.50 (children), £11.50 (adults)

8. Cardiff Castle:
One of the most historically significant and beautiful museums in Cardiff is the Cardiff Castle, which doubles up as the most popular tourist attraction in the city
Considered to be the jewel in Cardiff’s crown, the castle is tucked right in the heart of the city, and sprawls across an expanse of several acres
Once a Roman fort that was built for the then-richest man in the whole world, the castle has a history dating back to as early as 2000 years
This Victorian Gothic masterpiece boasts of numerous attractions, from gilded interiors and detailed wood carvings, to stained glass windows as well as wall murals and marbled floors, which are some of the best in the world
Location: Castle St, Cardiff CF10 3RB, United Kingdom
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
Entry fee: £10.00 (children), £14.50 (adults)

9. Nantgarw China Works Museum:
For those who wish to explore some of the more unheard of museums Cardiff, the Nantgarw China Works Museum should be in your list
This is an onsite museum located in the fully functioning China Works factory, and is complete with tearooms, as well as a gift and souvenir shop
Dating back to the early 19th century, it was in this very place where the finest porcelain ever made was created by William Billingsley
In addition to witnessing the creation of some of the most beautiful porcelain items here, you can also discover an amazing collection of works as well as learn about the history of China Works from 1813 to 1920, or attend ceramic and glass making workshops here
Location: Tyla Gwyn, Nantgarw, Cardiff CF15 7TB, United Kingdom
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 04:00 p.m. (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Entry fee: £2.50 onwards

10. Martin Tinney Gallery:
Another one of the uncommon art galleries and museum Cardiff is the Martin Tinney Gallery, which ranks as the most top-tier private commercial art galleries in all of Wales
Being at the helm of commercial art in the region, the gallery was first established in the year 1992, and was then relocated to a refurbished townhouse in 2002
The gallery is most known for its exhibitions that showcase the works of important living Welsh artists, whilst also promoting the works of future local artists
You can also find a myriad of 21st century contemporary art in the Martin Tinney Gallery, or enjoy exploring the ever-changing solo exhibitions here, which makes it amongst the most popular museum of Cardiff
Location: 18 St Andrew's Cres, Cardiff CF10 3DD, United Kingdom
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. (Closed on Sundays and Mondays)

Suggested Read: Fun Things To Do In London At Night

1. National Museum of Scotland:
One of the best museums located near Edinburgh is the National Museum of Scotland, located a few miles from the city centre, and an important place to learn about the region’s vivid anthropological and natural history
Ranked amongst the most popular museums in the region, the museum is spread across three storeys, and consists of a main hall, flanked by huge balconies
Home to hundreds of interesting artefacts and displays, some of the oldest displays here date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, while the more modern displays, like the ones in the sandstone section, belong to the 20th century
The museum has it all from skeletons of dinosaurs and other extinct animals, to Tibetan prayer wheels, Egyptian sarcophagi as well as a plethora of exhibits related to Scottish history
Location: Chambers St, Edinburgh EH1 1JF, United Kingdom
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.

2. National War Museum:
When looking for museums to visit near Edinburgh, head over to spend some time at the National War Museum, which is a place that beautifully chronicles the many conflicts and sufferings of Scotland
The National War Museum displays a wide array of displays, artefacts and exhibits which help you learn about the Scottish conflicts, from the age-old Jacobean battles, to the wars fought in the 20th century, among others
There are numerous thematic sections inside the museum, offering insights into the different areas of war, such as the sections of “a nation in arms,” “a grand life for a Scotsman,” “tools of the trade,” “Highland soldier,” and more
Some of the major highlights of the museum include a 17 pounder gun as well as a Scorpion Tank, among others
Location: Castle, Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, United Kingdom
Timings: 09:45 a.m. to 05:45 p.m.
Entry fee: £10–17

3. St. Cecilia's Hall and Music Museum:
One of the popular museums located in close proximity to the city of Edinburgh is the St. Cecilia's Hall and Music Museum, a concert hall and museum that houses one of the most important historic collections of musical instrument in the whole world
This Georgian era building dates back to the year 1762, when it was built by the Edinburgh Musical Society
It is here where you can discover, and catch sights of the vast collection of musical instruments belonging to the University of Edinburgh
There are more than 400 instruments from different parts of the world here, including guitars from the early 18th century and harpsichords, to name a few
Location: 50 Niddry St, Edinburgh EH1 1LG, United Kingdom
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 04:30 p.m. (Closed on Sundays and Mondays)

4. Surgeons’ Hall Museums:
Amongst the most uncommon museums to visit near Edinburgh is the Surgeons’ Hall Museum, which houses an extensive collection of exhibits and displays that offer a glimpse into the medical history of the region
It first opened to the public in 1832, which puts in in the list of some of the oldest Scottish museums, wherein you can learn about the development of surgery through the different centuries
The displays here also help you find out about interesting medical events in history, like the first public dissection in Scotland, the discovery of antiseptic and chloroform, and a lot more
Location: Surgeons Hall Museums, Nicolson St, Edinburgh EH8 9DW, United Kingdom
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.
Entry fee: £8 (adults), Free (children)

5. Museum on the Mound:
Situated in the headquarters of the historic Bank of Scotland is the Museum on the Mound, a museum of money, and amongst the best to visit near Edinburgh
It dates back to the years between 1802 and 1806, and gets its name from The Mound, the artificial hill that connects the Old Town and New Town, on which the museum is located
The museum also offers visitors a chance to learn how the banking system of the country has evolved, and boasts of exhibits related to money, pension plans as well as insurance
You can also witness an 18th century iron chest here, the first Scottish bank note from 1716 as well as one million pounds in cash, displayed inside a cabinet here
Location: The Mound, Edinburgh EH1 1YZ, United Kingdom
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. (Closed on Sundays and Mondays)

1. Techniquest:
If you are in search to visit a Cardiff Museum with your family, then pay a visit to Techniquest, one of the most premiere centres for science and discovery in the region
Located on Cardiff Bay, Techniquest is spread across two floors, complete with a myriad of creative and innovative exhibits and interactive displays
From interesting scientific models and machines, to intriguing displays and activities like “launch a rocket,” you can enjoy indulging in various experiences here
The museum also gives you a chance to try your hand at a virtual surgery and even get to experience a real life hurricane as well as an earthquake
Location: Stuart St, Cardiff CF10 5BW, United Kingdom
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.
Entry fee: £9.05 onwards

2. St. Fagans National Museum of History:
The St. Fagan’s National Museum of History is an open air Cardiff Museum, in addition to being a significant heritage monument in all of Scotland
Located within the verdant gardens of the St. Fagans Castle, this museum is one place where you can get transported back to many years in history
With over 40 buildings having been rebuilt in this museum, you can enjoy exploring a Victorian era school, a Workmen’s institute as well as a medieval church in the St. Fagans National Museum of History
Don’t forget to take a walk through the many age-old galleries here, and marvel at the displays of traditional Welsh and Scottish arts and crafts during your visit to this Museum Cardiff with your family
Location: Cardiff CF5 6XB, United Kingdom
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.

3. Castell Coch:
Doubling up as an amazing Cardiff museum, this magnificent 19th century castle, built in the Gothic Revival style of architecture is amongst the best historical places to visit in the region with your family
Also known as the Red Castle, this castle exudes a fairy-tale-like vision, surrounded by dense woodlands, and offering some of the most panoramic views of the natural landscapes around it
Considered to be a masterpiece of the high Victorian era architecture, Castell Coch is the best place to learn about the lifestyle of the rich and powerful people who stayed here for more than 700 years
With opulent rooms decorated ornately, gilded interiors and a myriad of ancient artefacts on display, you can easily spend a few hours at this unique Cardiff Museum
Location: Castle Road, Tongwynlais, Cardiff, United Kingdom
Timings: 09:30 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.
Entry fee: £3 per person

4. Principality Stadium:
Those traveling to Cardiff with football fanatic family members must visit the Principality Stadium, which is one of the most popular museums Cardiff
Ranked amongst the most famous sporting arenas in the whole world, the stadium is the home of Welsh rugby and football, and doubles up as an amazing venue for concerts, and other events
It first opened in 1999, and boasts of having the first fully retractable roof in the United Kingdom
During your visit to the stadium, you can enjoy visiting attractions like the Welsh dressing rooms, press conference suite, players’ tunnel as well as the president’s box
Location: Westgate St, Cardiff CF10 1NS, United Kingdom
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 04:00 p.m.
Entry fee: £12.00 (children), £16.50 (adult)

Also Read: Best Places To Visit Near London

The National Museum Cardiff is undoubtedly the best Cardiff museum. Located in the heart of the city, it is one of the most extraordinary museums in Cardiff, and boasts of having displays that date back to many centuries in history, all the way back to the times of the evolution of Wales. Considered to be a symbol of pride, the museum pays tribute to the history of Scotland, in addition to commemorating the works of many famous Welsh artists.
It is in this Cardiff Museum where you can find many touring as well as permanent collections, with displays that include dinosaur skeletons, skeletons of the great Woolly mammoth, a humpback whale skeleton as well as the largest leatherback turtle in the world. Additionally, you can also discover paintings, sculptures, artworks, and ceramics, among other things, that date back to more than 500 years, and belong to many different parts of the world.

The best time to visit Cardiff is during the summer and the early autumn seasons, between the months of early June to late September. It is during these months that the city has a rather pleasant weather, with warm days and cooler nights, and little to no rainfall. You can not only explore the city at your own comfort during these months, but also enjoy a variety of events and festivals as well as carnivals during this time.

At present, there are 74 museums in Cardiff, some of which also double up as art galleries. Some of the best Cardiff museums include the National Museum Cardiff, the Cardiff Story Museum, the Cardiff Castle, Nantgarw China Works and Museum, the Martin Tinney Gallery, Techniquest, the Norwegian Church Arts Centre and others.

Also Read: Famous Monuments In London

The National Museum Cardiff is one of the best museums in Cardiff, and boasts of having one of the most extensive collections of national art, geology as well as natural history in the United Kingdom. Furthermore, it also houses one of the finest art collections in all of Europe, with displays being over 500 years old, and consisting of artworks by Monet, Rodin, Van Gogh, silverware as well as ceramics, as well as collections of Impressionist art.

You must ideally spend at least an hour and a half to three hours in the Cardiff Story Museum. During your visit to this museum, you can expect to learn about the development of Cardiff, and gain insights as to how it turned into one of the biggest ports in the world in the 1900s, from a small market town in the 1300s. You will also need time to enjoy looking at the many interactive displays of objects, photographs and films that tell the history of the people of this city, which makes this a great Cardiff Museum to spend ample time at.

Checkout Now: Best Things To Do In London This Weekend

1. By air:
The best way to get to Cardiff is by air. You can take a flight to Cardiff Airport, which connects the city to many major cities in the world. Alternatively, you can also take a flight to one of the airports nearby, like the Bristol Airport, Birmingham Airport, London Heathrow Airport or Southampton Airport and then take a drive or train ride to get to Cardiff.

2. By train:
If you are going to Cardiff from other cities in the United Kingdom, you can easily board a train that departs for the Cardiff Central station from the city that you are in.