Pontypridd Town Council is delighted to announce that Pontypridd Museum has secured over £257,000.00 in funding from the Welsh Government’s Museums Transformation Capital Grant Programme to transform the Museum’s historic upper gallery into a vibrant, modern and accessible exhibition space for future generations. The funding forms part of a £5.28 million investment by Welsh Government supporting 31 museum, library and archive projects across Wales. 

The significant investment recognises the vital role that local museums play in preserving Wales’ rich heritage while ensuring they remain relevant, engaging and accessible to modern audiences.

The project will see the complete refurbishment of the Museum’s upper gallery, introducing new museum quality display cases, improved lighting, digital interpretation, interactive exhibits, bilingual displays, enhanced accessibility and conservation improvements. The redevelopment will also create new opportunities for local people to help shape the stories that are told, ensuring the exhibition reflects the people, places and communities that have made Pontypridd what it is today. 

The Council has appointed nationally recognised museum specialists Headland Design Associates to lead the consultation, interpretation and exhibition design. The company has an outstanding track record of delivering award winning museum and heritage projects throughout Wales and the United Kingdom and will work closely with the Council, volunteers and local communities throughout the project. 

Councillor Lynda Davies, Leader of Pontypridd Town Council, said:

“This is wonderful news for Pontypridd and for everyone who values our unique history and heritage.

“Pontypridd Museum tells the remarkable story of our town, our people and the industries, culture and creativity that shaped communities across Wales and beyond. This investment ensures that future generations will be able to experience those stories in new and exciting ways.

“We are grateful to the Welsh Government for recognising the importance of local museums and for investing in community led heritage projects such as ours.”

Tony Graham, Chief Executive and Town Clerk, added:

“Pontypridd Town Council is proud to own and manage Pontypridd Museum on behalf of the community. While many people know us for our allotments, events and community facilities, preserving and celebrating our local history is equally central to our purpose.

“This project represents far more than a building refurbishment. It is about protecting our collections, making them more accessible, creating opportunities for learning, and ensuring the stories of Pontypridd continue to inspire residents and visitors alike.

“The redevelopment has been designed around community involvement. Local schools, community groups, volunteers and residents will help shape the new exhibition so that it reflects both our remarkable past and the Pontypridd of today.”

The museum, housed within the beautifully restored former Tabernacl Welsh Baptist Chapel, has been at the heart of the town’s cultural life since opening in 1986. Its collections document Pontypridd’s transformation from a rural valley settlement into one of the most influential industrial towns in South Wales, celebrating internationally significant achievements including the world famous Brown Lenox chainworks, the iconic Old Bridge, the James family and the writing of the National Anthem, local industry, music, art, sport and the people whose lives have shaped the community. 

The redevelopment will create a welcoming cultural destination for residents, schools, families and visitors, with modern interpretation, interactive experiences for children, improved accessibility and enhanced facilities that will enable the Museum to play an even greater role within the community. Local groups, including schools, community organisations, accessibility groups and volunteers, will contribute directly to the development of the new displays and stories. 

Pontypridd Town Council has increasingly invested in culture and heritage over recent years through the continued operation of Pontypridd Museum, support for arts and cultural events, investment in public spaces, and partnerships that celebrate the town’s rich history and identity. This latest investment further strengthens the Council’s commitment to ensuring that Pontypridd’s heritage remains a source of pride, education and inspiration for generations to come. This commitment to culture and heritage is another example of why Pontypridd has recently been shortlisted for the Town of Culture 2028.



Work on developing the new gallery will begin shortly, with community consultation forming a key part of the design process before installation commences. Further opportunities for residents to become involved will be announced in the coming months.