The National Museum of Wales in Cardiff, Wales, U. K. is unique and different in that it holds exhibitions of the best in science and art all in the same building. The building itself is beautiful, and very notable in the bustling center of Cardiff. Although I had not planned a visit on the day I was in town, after I learned it was admission-free I decided to take a look at what they had.
Am I glad I spent time there – yes! The science, fine art and applied arts were displayed in separate floors and sections, so it was not a confusing jumble. There were entertaining and informative areas for the kids, (mostly within the science rooms,) and inviting displays of porcelain, silverware and country-wide industrial arts from a half century ago. A quiet, reflective mood could be found in the uncrowded fine art sections of Impressionists, (like Monet, Renoir, Pissarro,) Van Gogh, (an interesting “Rain” landscape,) European masters through the centuries, (such as J. W. Turner, Van Dyck, and Cezanne,) and undiscovered local talent like Gwen John.
Although the museum is not large compared to other major museums, it held collections of plenty to see and do, while still leaving me with enough energy to visit the (very touristy) Cardiff Castle! Bravo Amgueddfa Cymru!!