Exciting changes are afoot at Cardiff’s National Museum! 🎨🔍 A significant renovation has been approved to bring a key gallery back to life, returning it to the public for all to enjoy. The herbarium, home to an incredible collection of preserved plant specimens, will be relocated to the museum’s east wing, right next to the botany offices.
Say goodbye to modern partitions and mezzanine structures as the museum strips back to its original, stunning design. This move not only aims to enhance the visitor experience but also provides a state-of-the-art, controlled environment for the care and digitisation of the collections.
What’s a herbarium, you ask? 🌿 Well, it’s an essential hub for curators, artists, students, and researchers, allowing the study of plants from Wales and around the world in one place. From flowering plants and ferns to lichens and algae, the herbarium is a treasure trove of botanical wonders. You’ll even find botanical illustrations, models, and plant-related collections, showcasing everything from spices and herbs to wood and fibres.
This relocation marks a return to the museum’s roots, both literally and metaphorically, as it reopens spaces for the public and revives the original gallery layout. More than just a redesign, this effort is about boosting the museum’s social and educational value. So, whether you’re a plant enthusiast, history buff, or curious explorer, this renovation promises a refreshed, enlightening experience.
Stay tuned for updates and prepare to explore Cardiff’s National Museum in a whole new way! 🏛️✨