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Museums and galleries in Swansea

13 museums and galleries in Swansea, from the big collections to small independent spaces.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

Museums and galleries in Swansea

  1. See

    Attic Gallery

    Wales' oldest independent gallery, specialising in grass roots Welsh art.

    Fri 10AM-5:30PM, Sat 10AM-4:30PMfree

  2. See

    Dylan Thomas Centre

    This splendid example of early 19th-century Doric style architecture served as Swansea Guildhall for over 100 years. It became the Dylan Thomas Centre in 1995 when it was refurbished in commemoration of Swansea hosting the 1995 UK Year of Literature and Writing, and was opened by former US President Jimmy Carter. The centre is dedicated to the works of Swansea's greatest literary son, and in addition to a theatre, exhibition and events hall, the centre also has a second hand book store and gift shop. The local cuisine served in the second floor restaurant is strongly recommended.

    Tue-Sun 9AM-10PMAdmission free

  3. See

    Glyn Vivian Art Gallery

    The gallery housed in a baroque revival Edwardian building has permanent exhibits of paintings by local artists and a good collection of Swansea china. It frequently hosts exhibitions of national and international works of art.

    Tue-Sun 9AM-5PMFree

  4. See

    Gower Heritage Centre

    A rural life museum based around a working water mill. Gift shop and café on site.

  5. See

    National Waterfront Museum

    Housed in a building clad in Welsh slate, the National Waterfront Museum represents an exciting and innovative way to explore the development of the industrial revolution through the eyes of the people whose lives it touched and transformed. The toil, the achievements, the defeats and the joys are revealed through the museum's creative exhibitions. Children will particularly enjoy the working machinery. There are also cafes and gift shops overlooking the marina. This is one of the UK's most imaginative exhibition spaces and must-see destinations.

    Daily 10AM-5PMAdmission is free

  6. See

    Swansea Bus Museum

    An exhibit of over thirty buses that once plied the streets of Swansea and West Wales.

    Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM, Sun 10AM-5PMAdmission free, donations welcome

  7. See

    Swansea Museum

    This grade two, neo-classic building was Wales' first museum, and displays artifacts as diverse as Swansea china and an Egyptian mummy. The museum gift shop sells good quality souvenirs.

    Tue-Sun 9AM-5PMFree

  8. See

    The Nick Holly Studio Gallery

    Exchange Building, Cambrian Place, Maritime Quarter. Showcases the work of local artists.

    Tue-Sun 10AM-5PMFree

  9. See Not mapped

    Elysium Gallery and Studios

    A large and innovative space promoting the work of emerging artists. Cafe. Gallery. Studios.

    Wed-Sat 11AM-5PMAdmission free

  10. Buy Not mapped

    Love Spoon Gallery

    Mumbles. It offers the largest range of love spoons in the city.

  11. Buy Not mapped

    Oriel Ceri Richards Gallery

    Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea University. Taliesin’s Oriel Ceri Richards Gallery hosts regular touring exhibitions, and stocks an excellent range of greetings cards, jewellery, ceramics and other craft items.

    Mon-Sat

  12. Do Not mapped

    Waterfront Wonderland

    This event held next to the National Waterfront Museum includes stalls selling traditional Christmas goods, a big wheel offering views over Swansea Bay and an ice rink.

    Mid-Nov to early Jan

  13. See

    Mission Gallery

    A small independent gallery in a converted seaman's chapel.

    Daily 11AM-5PMfree

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Swansea (CC BY-SA 4.0).