Wales: Told by Us opens at St Fagans: a free exhibition about community and belonging

A free exhibition at St Fagans National Museum of History in Cardiff offers a way to explore Wales through the people who call it home. Wales: Told by Us opened on 23 October 2026 and runs until 3 May 2027.

For newcomers, it is a chance to learn about local life without paying an admission fee. The show brings together memories, objects and artwork from five communities across Wales.

What is on display?

The exhibition grew out of REACH, a project run by The Open University in Wales and Amgueddfa Cymru. Communities explored their own histories and made artwork linked to their experiences.

Pieces include a dragon carried at Butetown Carnival, willow sculptures and a patchwork inspired by the river Cleddau. They sit alongside museum objects chosen for their links to community memories. The focus is on how people connect with places and pass stories between generations.

Plan a free visit

The museum’s visitor information lists daily opening hours of 10am to 5pm until 1 November. Winter hours begin on 2 November, when closing time moves to 4pm. Check the page before a holiday visit.

Both museum entry and this exhibition are free. Parking costs £7 a day, with free parking for disabled badge holders and motorbikes. Children under 16 must stay with an adult.

The museum is at Cardiff CF5 6XB. Its visitor page links to travel information and an access guide. Some outdoor paths are uneven, so check access details if that affects your visit. You can bring a picnic.

Cardiff Life’s 19 October events guide also confirms the exhibition’s opening and free admission. The long run means you do not need to fit it into opening weekend.

Photo: Sionk (2018), CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped.