National Waterfront Museum, Swansea (must see)

The National Waterfront Museum is a striking blend of old and new, situated as part of the National Museum Wales and serving as an Anchor Point of the European Route of Industrial Heritage. The museum's design integrates a contemporary slate and glass structure with a historic Grade II listed warehouse, formerly the Swansea Industrial and Maritime Museum. This fusion of architectural styles symbolizes Wales' rich industrial past while embracing modernity.

Opened in October 2005, the museum showcases the history of Wales' industrial revolution and innovation through a diverse range of historical artifacts and cutting-edge technology. Its exhibits include maritime, transport, technology, and retail artifacts, presented with interactive touchscreens and multimedia systems designed by Wilkinson Eyre and Land Design Studio. The project, managed by Davis Langdon, aimed to make the museum accessible to all visitors, featuring multilingual voiceovers and British Sign Language captioning on interactive content.

The museum's commitment to accessibility and modern presentation has made it a pioneer among UK museums. With support from the Welsh Development Agency and the Heritage Lottery Fund, it stands as a testament to Wales' industrial heritage and its ongoing innovation.