National Waterfront Museum
Photos of National Waterfront Museum
What will students see and do?
The National Waterfront Museum in Swansea tells the story of industry and innovation in Wales. Students will step back in time via a variety of exhibits that cover over 300 years of history, discovering the impact the Industrial Revolution had on Wales.
This interactive museum, located in a modern slate and glass building, explores geography, science and history topics by covering the industrial and maritime heritage of Wales.
Students can take advantage of 15 themed exhibits within the museum that cover Swansea’s industrial heritage. Each has interactive elements as well as traditional displays to help students dive into the material.
How does the trip link to the curriculum?
Suitable for all ages, this interactive museum ties directly into many areas of the curriculum. Students will be able to look at iconic objects, panoramic video maps and digital street maps that explore the history of Wales and the Industrial Revolution. Pupils will also learn the geographical evolution of Wales.
A trip to this location covers the science behind the energy production of industries and factories throughout time. Students can also watch a time-lapse video charting the history of Wales’ maritime tradition.
The history of innovation is also explored. Students will see the development of technology – specifically in the transportation of materials – as well as covering coal mining and how coal is used today.
The Made in Wales exhibit teaches students how the efforts of workers over the past 300 years created modern-day Wales.
Subjects covered
Teaching resources provided
The National Waterfront Museum has many resources for teachers and students, including learning activities and project ideas.
On the website, teachers can find activities for children to do at home or in class. For Early Year students there are interactive activities focused around dinosaurs, food preparation and health, farm and sea animals and colours and shapes.
Older children may enjoy the Minecraft your Museum Challenge. This encourages students to use Minecraft to build their own dream museum full of resources and educational exhibits. A downloadable activity pack is available for teachers to run this challenge in their schools.
There are also online activities for older kids that focus on environmental and climate studies, science and global citizenship.
When visiting the museum, you can make use of gallery activity sheets and explorer boxes. These boxes include real and replica objects to stimulate discussion with your class. These boxes and activity sheets must be booked in advance.
Museum staff also encourage the use of photography to document your experience. The museum can provide drawing materials for observational drawing activities.
Minimum and maximum group size
Groups of up to 30 are welcome at the museum.
All groups will need to be split into smaller groups of approximately ten children, with one adult per group.
Details of risk assessment
Please visit the museum’s website for frequently asked questions regarding safety measures for museum visits, as well as a downloadable risk assessment guide for group visits.
Don't miss our downloadable A-Z guide on completing a risk assessment
Facilities on-site
The National Waterfront Museum in Swansea has toilets on site as well as baby changing facilities.
The museum is accessible for those with disabilities and a limited number of wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are two lifts, one in the Main Hall and the other towards the rear of New Gallery.
There are audio tours and Braille resources for exhibits, as well as a chill out room for anyone who needs it, including autistic children.
A first-aid room is located on the ground floor and requires staff assistance.
Light refreshments are available at the on-site cafe. You are also welcome to bring your own food and drink to eat on the public picnic benches around the marina outside the museum, or in the museum’s courtyard garden space. There is also a lunch room inside the museum, where you can also leave belongings.
Opening times
The museum is open daily from 10am-5pm.
Pricing
This museum is free to visit. There is a charge for curriculum-focused sessions led by museum staff. Prices are as follows (excluding VAT):
– One hour session for up to 15/35: £40/£60
– Half a day session for up to 35: £100
SEN groups in Wales are eligible for free sessions.
Travel arrangements
The National Waterfront Museum in Swansea is less than 2km away from Brunswick and about 15 minutes away from the M4 at junction 42. It is also accessible via the brand-new Swansea bus line and by mainline train stations from London.
Address
National Waterfront Museum, Oystermouth Road, Maritime Quarter, Swansea, Swansea
SA1 3RD
Book your school trip to National Waterfront Museum
For information on booking your school trip to this venue, click below.
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