Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea

The Dylan Thomas Centre, situated in Swansea's Maritime Quarter, serves as a vibrant hub for literary and cultural activities. Originally constructed in 1825 as the city's Guildhall, the building was transformed into the Dylan Thomas Centre in 1995, celebrating the UK Year of Literature and Writing. The renovation and refurbishment of the space allowed it to honor Swansea’s most famous literary figure, Dylan Thomas, with a range of facilities including a restaurant, bar, bookshop café, conference rooms, and a theatre.

The centre's centerpiece is the ‘Man and Myth’ exhibition, which stands as the largest collection of Dylan Thomas memorabilia globally. This permanent exhibition offers a deep dive into the life and work of the renowned poet through an array of interactive media, including letters, books, worksheets, and photographs. Designed to engage both dedicated scholars and casual visitors, the exhibit provides a comprehensive look at Thomas’s legacy.

In addition to its exhibitions, the Dylan Thomas Centre hosts a dynamic program of events throughout the year. This includes book launches, plays, poetry evenings, and science talks. One of the key highlights is the annual Dylan Thomas Festival, which takes place from October 27 to November 9, marking the poet’s birth and death dates with a series of celebrations and activities.

The centre also offers a variety of talks and tours led by knowledgeable staff. These cover diverse topics such as Dylan Thomas’s life and works, contemporary literature, poetry writing, and cultural tourism, enriching the visitor experience with insights into both the poet’s heritage and broader literary themes.