Look Learn Listen

Museums, theatres & culture

As Wales’ second city, Swansea is rich with Welsh heritage and culture. There are museums and galleries, theatres and concert halls as well as castles of key historical importance, including Oystermouth Castle in Mumbles, dotted around the peninsular.

Swansea’s National Waterfront Museum on the edge of the Marina is the centrepiece of the city’s cultural quarter. Opened in 2005, this £33.5 million museum tells the story of Wales’ and Swansea’s industrial and maritime history. Free to enter, it is a big hit with visitors of all ages, using the latest computer technology to offer interactive displays throughout its 15 galleries.

Close by is Swansea Museum, the oldest museum in Wales as well as The Dylan Thomas centre which hosts a permanent exhibition on Dylan Thomas. As to galleries, the Glynn Vivian in the city centre displays work by old masters and an international collection of porcelain and Swansea china, with many more galleries spread throughout Swansea and Mumbles offering contemporary and local artwork for sale.

For music and theatre there’s the centrally-located Grand Theatre offering a range of shows to suit all tastes and ages and an Arts Wing that hosts exhibitions, performances and a Comedy Club.

Other smaller theatres in the Swansea Bay area include the Dylan Thomas Theatre and the Taliesin Arts Centre, all offering a diverse programme of events. The landmark Brangwyn Hall is a regular host to the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.