Museum of Cardiff (The Old Library) - Image 1
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Museum of Cardiff The Old Library

4.4
·765 reviews·, United Kingdom

Explore Cardiff's vibrant history through interactive games and engaging displays in a grand, historic Old Library building. Free entry!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more interactive fun

CrowdLow
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Museum of Cardiff (The Old Library) - Image 1

Museum of Cardiff The Old Library

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more interactive fun

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Cardiff's vibrant history through interactive games and engaging displays in a grand, historic Old Library building. Free entry!

4.4
(765 reviews)

"A fantastic place to explore the history of Wales' capital city, with interactive games suitable for all ages."

Vertical photo
TIP

Free Admission! 🎉

Enjoy a wealth of Cardiff's history without spending a penny. Perfect for budget travelers!

Kid-Friendly Detective Fun :detective:

Grab a detective activity book for the kids to make exploring the exhibits even more engaging.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Interactive History Journey

Interactive History Journey

Ground Floor

Engage with Cardiff's past through fun, interactive games and exhibits suitable for all ages.

Dollhouse Lifestyle Exhibit

Dollhouse Lifestyle Exhibit

Ground Floor

See how Cardiff residents lived through the ages with a detailed dollhouse display.

Design Your Cardiff Activity

Design Your Cardiff Activity

Ground Floor

Unleash your creativity by building your ideal Cardiff with interactive blocks.

Sports, Fashion & Trade Displays

Sports, Fashion & Trade Displays

Lower Ground Floor

Explore the 'now era' with collections showcasing Cardiff's sports, fashion, and trade history.

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Accessibility & Family Fun

This museum is praised for its interactive exhibits, making it great for kids and families. It's also noted as accessible, which is a plus for wheelchair users. Plan for a few hours to explore the two main rooms.

Free Entry, Small but Mighty

Entry is free, which is a significant draw. While the museum is small, with only two main exhibition spaces, it packs a lot of history and interactive elements into its size. Don't expect vast halls, but rather a focused, engaging experience.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more interactive fun
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Good for families with kids
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Question about the national museum

Free Admission! 🎉

Enjoy a wealth of Cardiff's history without spending a penny. Perfect for budget travelers! Reddit

Kid-Friendly Detective Fun :detective:

Grab a detective activity book for the kids to make exploring the exhibits even more engaging. Reddit

reddit.com

Trip to Cardiff

reddit.com

Touristy Things to Do

Plan for 2-3 Hours

Though small, the interactive nature means you can easily spend a few hours learning and playing. Reddit

Check the Lift :arrow_down:

The lift to the lower ground floor can feel a bit isolated; use with caution if claustrophobic. Reddit

reddit.com

What to do??

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Admission! 🎉

Enjoy a wealth of Cardiff's history without spending a penny. Perfect for budget travelers! Reddit

Kid-Friendly Detective Fun :detective:

Grab a detective activity book for the kids to make exploring the exhibits even more engaging. Reddit

Plan for 2-3 Hours

Though small, the interactive nature means you can easily spend a few hours learning and playing. Reddit

Check the Lift :arrow_down:

The lift to the lower ground floor can feel a bit isolated; use with caution if claustrophobic. Reddit

Great for a Short Visit

Ideal for a few hours of cultural exploration when you have limited time in Cardiff. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(765 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Museum of Cardiff for its free entry and highly interactive, family-friendly exhibits that make learning about the city's history engaging. While some note its small size with only two main rooms, the quality of the displays and activities, particularly for children, is frequently highlighted as a positive aspect.

"The Museum of Cardiff is a fantastic place to explore the history of Wales' capital city. Although it is a small museum with only two available rooms, it's a wonderful experience. It takes you on a journey from the city's early days to the modern era through interactive games that are suitable for all ages.
It's a great place, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn about the city's history. It is also, of course, a fun place for children."

maha ali

"A decent museum in the heart of the Cardiff city, offering an overview of what to expect from the city. Though presently spanning only 2 halls, it manages to offer enough to keep all ages audience engaged.
Super friendly for kids. As they have a detective activity book for them to explore the elements while they enjoy the exhibits.
Most of the exhibits are not just there, they are placed with purpose.
On the Ground floor, you are welcomed by displays telling stories of the history of Cardiff, then when you begin from your left, it takes you on time travel where you get to witness the stories of some landmarks, including the Cardiff castle and River Taff.
Walking clockwise, is a doll house depicting the lifestyle changes of residents as the city modernised.
Along with numerous timestamped collectibles, there is a theatre with stories of local business. They are so excellently filmed it felt that every story teller were speaking their stories from their eyes!
By the time you finish this floor, you have seen the lifetime of Cardiff city, and now it's time you design your own using another remarkable activity where you get to lay blocks and build the fabulous Cardiff you would want.
Floor -1, was more of the 'now era', with most of the collections from sports, fashion and trade. The pictures of galaxies and stars, currently lying in one corner, if improvised and given more attention, will potentially become a highlight of this floor. Though it gave being empty feeling after seeing the ground floor, but there's lots of books and cute activities in this room as well.
This floor also has public toilets. The lift weirdly never travelled up, and was bit lonely and scary. Do not enter if you are claustrophobic!"

Parinita Agrawal

"What a shock it was to visit and be told there are only two rooms. Thankfully it’s free, because if they charged admission, I would have felt completely ripped off.

The main room was actually really interesting and well presented, which makes it even more disappointing that it’s the only proper exhibit space. The downstairs room seemed to be focused mainly on children, with very little for adults to engage with.

I wasn’t impressed overall and wouldn’t bother returning unless they expand the museum or add more to it. For a place that’s meant to showcase the best of our capital city, it really doesn’t do Cardiff justice."

Bob JOE

What People Like

Free admission
Interactive exhibits
Great for kids

What People Dislike

Small size (2 rooms)
Lower floor less engaging

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Museum of Cardiff is located in The Old Library in the heart of the city center. It's easily accessible by public transport, with many bus routes stopping nearby. If you're arriving by train, Cardiff Central Station is a short walk away. Parking is available in nearby city center car parks.

Yes, the museum is noted as being accessible for wheelchair users, making it a good option for families with diverse needs. Reddit

The museum is centrally located, making it easy to reach via a short walk from many city attractions or public transport hubs. The interactive exhibits are a big hit with children, so it's a great destination for a family outing. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, admission to the Museum of Cardiff is completely free, making it an excellent value for visitors. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, so it's always best to check the official museum website or their social media channels for the most up-to-date information before your visit.

As the museum is free to enter and relatively small, advance booking is typically not required. However, for group visits or special events, it's advisable to contact the museum directly.

Yes, the museum is generally open on weekends, but it's always recommended to confirm the specific opening days and times on their official website, as these can change.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

While the museum is small with two main exhibition rooms, the interactive nature of the exhibits means you can easily spend 2-3 hours here, especially if you engage with all the activities. Reddit

The museum offers a journey through Cardiff's history, from its early days to modern times, with interactive games, a dollhouse depicting lifestyle changes, and displays on sports, fashion, and trade. Reddit

Absolutely! It's highly recommended for children due to its interactive games and a detective activity book that keeps them engaged. Reddit

Yes, public toilets are available on the lower ground floor. Reddit

This is a creative, hands-on activity on the ground floor where visitors can use blocks to build their own vision of Cardiff, encouraging imaginative play. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed inside the Museum of Cardiff. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific signage or ask staff if you're unsure, especially regarding flash photography or filming.

The grand architecture of The Old Library building itself offers great photo opportunities. Inside, the interactive displays and the dollhouse exhibit can make for visually interesting shots. The 'Design Your Cardiff' activity also provides a fun, colorful backdrop.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Museum of Cardiff is a fantastic choice for families. Its highly interactive exhibits and games are designed to captivate children, making history fun and engaging. The free detective activity book is a particular hit, encouraging kids to explore and learn actively. The museum is also noted as being accessible, which is a great benefit for families with strollers or wheelchair users. Plan for a few hours of enjoyable discovery that will keep everyone entertained. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

As a free attraction, the Museum of Cardiff is a gem for budget-conscious travelers. You can immerse yourself in the history and culture of Wales' capital without spending a penny. The interactive elements mean you get a lot of value and engagement for your time, making it a highly recommended stop for anyone looking to explore Cardiff affordably. Reddit

🚶 Day-Trippers

If you're visiting Cardiff for a day and have a few hours to spare, the Museum of Cardiff is an ideal destination. Its central location makes it easy to fit into any itinerary. The compact yet engaging exhibits allow you to get a solid overview of the city's history without requiring a full day commitment. It's a perfect way to add a dose of culture and fun to your short visit. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Old Library: A Historic Setting

The Museum of Cardiff is housed within The Old Library, a magnificent Victorian building that adds to the visitor experience. Originally opened in 1882, this iconic landmark has served various roles for the city before becoming home to the museum. Its grand architecture provides a fittingly historic backdrop for exploring Cardiff's past. Visitors often remark on the building's charm, which complements the exhibits within. Reddit

Exploring the museum means stepping back in time not just through its displays, but also through the very walls that surround them. The building itself is a piece of Cardiff's history, offering a sense of place and continuity. This blend of historical setting and engaging content makes the visit more immersive and memorable for many. Reddit

Interactive Learning for All Ages

One of the most consistently praised aspects of the Museum of Cardiff is its interactive approach to history. Unlike static displays, the museum incorporates games, hands-on activities, and engaging storytelling to bring the city's evolution to life. This gamification makes learning enjoyable and accessible, particularly for younger visitors and families. Reddit

Reviewers highlight the detective activity book as a standout feature for children, encouraging them to actively seek out information and engage with the exhibits. The 'Design Your Cardiff' activity further promotes creativity and critical thinking. This focus on participation ensures that visitors don't just observe history, but actively connect with it, making the experience more impactful and memorable. Reddit

Navigating the Two Exhibition Spaces

The museum primarily features two exhibition spaces: the ground floor and the lower ground floor. The ground floor offers a comprehensive overview of Cardiff's history, from its origins to its modernization, including detailed displays like the dollhouse and the 'Design Your Cardiff' interactive zone. This area is often described as the main draw, packed with engaging content. Reddit

The lower ground floor focuses on the 'now era,' showcasing collections related to sports, fashion, and trade. While some visitors found this space a bit emptier or less impactful compared to the ground floor, it still contains interesting items and activities, including public toilets. The lift access to this floor has been noted as a bit peculiar, with one reviewer mentioning it felt 'lonely and scary,' so it's worth being aware of if you have specific concerns. Reddit

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