Wales has become a bustling hub for UK art, with loads of fantastic art galleries found throughout the country. But where should you go if you want to visit the very best of them? Read on to find out…
National Museum of Art, Cardiff
This museum is home to artists from throughout the world, and regularly holds special exhibitions for some of the world’s most famous pieces. Split into three sections – Impressionist & Modern Art, Historic Art, and Applied Art – it offers something to every type of art lover.
Martin Tinney Gallery, Cardiff
This gallery is a shrine for modern Welsh art, exhibiting work from some of the country’s most famous names – names such as Kyffin Williams, Graham Sutherland and Josef Herman. Spread across three floors, there’s more than enough here to keep fans of contemporary art interested for a long while.
Oriel Kyffin Williams, Anglesey
This gallery is a tribute to one of Wales’ best-loved artists, Kyffin Williams. Williams was inspired by Anglesey throughout his life, and this gallery features a huge number of his works. It has also just undergone a million-pound refurbishment.
MOMA Wales, Machynlleth
As the name suggests, this is a building devoted to modern art. Situated in a converted Wesleyan chapel, this museum features a stunning collection of modern masterpieces, as well as holds a number of impressive special exhibitions.
Oriel Mostyn Gallery, Llandudno
This is a beautiful looking gallery, which has been renovated to provide a fantastic viewing area for some of the best contemporary Welsh art. It’s not just Welsh artists who feature here though, as there are also many displays from big names from around the world, spread throughout their five different exhibition spaces.
The Royal Cambrian Academy, Conwy
The Royal Cambrian Academy was founded in 1881, by a group of British artists inspired by the landscape of north Wales. It isn’t open all the time, as it holds just six exhibitions a year, but they shouldn’t be missed if you get the chance to visit one of them.
Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea
This gallery is partnered with the Tate, so you know it will be good. It is currently being renovated though, but you’ll still be able to see many of the exhibits, as they are using various locations in Swansea to display them. The massive renovation is expected to be completed soon though.
Oriel Plas Glyn-y-Weddw, Pwllheli
Located in a 19th century mansion, this gallery houses the private collection of the Jones-Parry family. It focuses mainly on contemporary art, with works from famous artists not just in Wales, but from throughout the world. Even if you aren’t an art fan, the building is worth visiting in its own right.
Oriel y Parc Gallery, St David’s
St David’s in the smallest city in Britain and is home to this interesting gallery, featuring many pieces of art taken from the National Museum of Wales. Aside from the art, it is also a great place to find out about the area, so should be visited by everyone coming to Pembrokeshire on holiday.
White Lion Street Gallery, Tenby
Many people forget about west Wales when thinking about art in the country, however the White Lion Street Gallery in Tenby features some fantastic work from local artists, including sculptures and ceramics.