Amgueddfa Cymru has officially appointed a design team to draft comprehensive redevelopment plans for the National Museum Cardiff as the institution nears its centenary milestone. The selected firms are AHR, which maintains an office in Cardiff, and the Danish architectural practice C.F. Møller Architects.
Progress Towards a Centenary Vision
This appointment follows a thorough procurement process and marks a significant step forward in the museum's long-term strategy. While any full-scale redevelopment would depend on securing funding and approval of a detailed business case, the confirmation of the design team allows for essential enabling works to commence immediately.
These initial works, required for ongoing maintenance, include critical repairs to the museum's roof and the installation of a new, modern fire alarm system. This pragmatic approach ensures the building's safety and integrity are upheld while broader plans are developed.
Stakeholder Engagement and Strategic Planning
AHR and C.F. Møller Architects will now collaborate to support the development of a preferred strategic direction. This will precede the submission of a formal business case to the Welsh Government in the spring. The process is set to involve extensive engagement with a wide array of stakeholders, including museum staff, dedicated volunteers, the visiting public, and the local Cardiff community.
Concurrently, a funding feasibility study is already underway with More Partnerships. This study aims to inform the redevelopment work and explore various options for the museum's future. At this preliminary stage, no projected capital costs for the potential redevelopment have been disclosed.
Leadership Perspectives on a Historic Opportunity
Jane Richardson, Chief Executive of Amgueddfa Cymru, emphasised the significance of this moment. "National Museum Cardiff is an architectural gem, but maintaining a historic building is an ongoing challenge," she stated. "As the museum approaches its centenary, we want to use the opportunity of needing to carry out essential maintenance works to go further and enhance the experience for our visitors, ensuring it is fit for purpose for the next 100 years."
Richardson outlined a bold vision: "Our ambition is to create a distinctively Welsh National Museum and Gallery with inspiring, modern, sustainable and accessible spaces for everyone to enjoy. These are ambitious plans, but we believe this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a vibrant cultural destination in Cardiff that drives economic growth and connects us to the world through stories and collaborations that matter locally and globally."
Architectural Expertise and Heritage Sensitivity
Gary Overton, a director at AHR, expressed enthusiasm for the project. "We are delighted to be working with Amgueddfa Cymru on this significant project," he said. "AHR has extensive experience in the thoughtful reuse and repurposing of historic buildings, and we understand the importance of respecting original character whilst delivering modern, sustainable and accessible spaces."
Overton further explained their collaborative approach: "Our approach ensures that heritage and innovation work hand in hand, without compromising on style or the qualities that make buildings special. We’re incredibly proud to be part of the team helping to secure the future of this cultural gem as it approaches its centenary, and we look forward to working with stakeholders to develop proposals that will serve Wales for generations to come."
The National Museum Cardiff is scheduled to celebrate its centenary next year, making the timing of these development plans particularly poignant as the institution looks to honour its past while boldly shaping its future.
