Gareth Davies MS, Senedd Member for Vale of Clwyd and Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism, Sport, and North Wales, has praised the National Museum Cardiff following an insightful and engaging visit. The museum, a cornerstone of Wales’ rich cultural heritage, Gareth outlined, continues to play a vital role in preserving and showcasing the nation’s artistic and scientific achievements.
During his visit, he was given an exclusive tour of the museum’s world-renowned collections, starting with the celebrated impressionist masterpiece La Parisienne by Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Rain – Auvers by Vincent van Gogh. These paintings, part of the incredible Davies sisters' collection, are some of the most treasured pieces in Wales, attracting attention from museums around the world. The visit underscored the significant cultural influence Wales holds on the global arts scene.
Another highlight of the tour was the remarkable collection of Gwen John’s works, a pioneering artist from Haverfordwest whose minimalist yet powerful paintings have left a lasting impact on Welsh art.
As a proud representative of the Vale of Clwyd, Gareth was particularly keen to see works with a connection to his constituency. The museum showcased the Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn collection, emphasizing his legacy as one of Wales’ greatest patrons of the arts. The collection includes a stunning selection of Old Master paintings and an exquisite organ that serves as the centrepiece of the display. This strong historical link between Denbighshire and the arts demonstrates the region’s deep-rooted contribution to Welsh cultural life.
Beyond the arts, Gareth explored the museum’s invaluable work in scientific research. A visit to the natural sciences department provided insight into the groundbreaking research conducted on marine life, including the museum’s efforts in studying invasive species and their impact on the Welsh coastline. The Mollusca collection, which has even been exhibited in Rhyl Library, exemplifies the museum’s commitment to bringing knowledge to communities across Wales.
The tour concluded with a visit to Pinc College, a unique educational institution within the museum that supports neurodivergent students by providing a creative and inclusive learning environment. With a remarkable attendance rate, Pinc College is a testament to the power of arts and culture in transforming lives and creating opportunities for young people who have struggled in traditional educational settings.
Following the visit, Gareth Davies MS, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism, Sport, and North Wales said:
“The National Museum Cardiff is one of Wales’ most treasured cultural assets. It was a privilege to see its incredible collections and groundbreaking research in action. The museum’s impact extends far beyond Cardiff, benefiting communities across Wales, including my own constituency.
“This visit reinforced my belief that our cultural institutions must be properly funded to ensure their continued success. I will continue to champion investment in our heritage and look forward to returning to the museum soon.
“I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to the National Museum Cardiff and its dedicated staff for arranging such a comprehensive and engaging visit. Their passion for preserving and sharing Wales’ cultural and scientific heritage is truly inspiring, and I greatly appreciate the opportunity to experience it firsthand.”