National Museum Cardiff
Cathays Park, Cardiff, Glamorgan, CF10 3NP
In Cardiff’s civic center, at the National Museum and Art Gallery, travelers can wander through 15 galleries dedicated to European art dating back 500 years while also learning about Welsh history and culture. Opened in 1927, the National Museum and Art Gallery is home to several Monet, Daumier, and Van Gogh masterpieces, as well as many notable Welsh artworks and historical artefacts.
The Basics
Exploring the free-to-enter National Museum and Art Gallery, either separately or together, is a great option for money-conscious travelers in Cardiff; meanwhile, visitors on a time budget may wish to merely glimpse at the museum’s magnificent marble exterior as part of a convenient hop-on hop-off bus tour. For those who prefer to explore on foot, there are also some themed walking tours—which will delight Doctor Who fans—that stop by the National Museum and Art Gallery, alongside several other key Cardiff attractions.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visiting the National Museum and Art Gallery is a great budget activity, because entry is free.
- Those with small children should consider stopping by the visually-appealing natural history exhibit in the National Museum.
- Fans of Impressionism will enjoy the National Museum and Art Gallery’s spectacular collection of Impressionist pieces.
- The National Museum and Art Gallery is entirely wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Located close to both Cardiff University’s main building and Bute Park, the National Museum and Art Gallery is within easy walking distance of Cardiff city center. The number 26 bus stops a 10-minute walk away, while the closest train station, Cathays, is just 5-minutes away. Travelers can also stop at the National Museum and Art Gallery during some hop-on hop-off bus tour routes for extra convenience.
When to Get There
Open Tuesdays through Sundays, between 10am and 5pm, the National Museum and Art Gallery is a year-round option for visitors in Cardiff. However, some people may wish to plan their visit in accordance with the regularly rotated temporary expositions held there. Be aware that galleries shut 15-minutes before the official closing time.
What to do nearby the National Museum and Art Gallery, Cardiff
After a couple of hours inside at the National Museum and Art Gallery, get back to nature in nearby Bute Park, the 70-year-old city center green space filled with trails for walkers, joggers, and dog-walkers, as well as open-air cafés and picnic benches. Stroll alongside the River Taff, past the SWALEC Stadium, and towards Cardiff Castle before returning to the city center.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!