Parc Howard Museum reopens with new exhibitions

Llanelli’s Parc Howard Museum has reopened to the public with new exhibitions.

The distinctive Llanelli landmark was closed in 2021 to undergo an ambitious restoration and modernisation programme, including systems upgrades and internal refurbishment.

Entry is free to Parc Howard Museum and it is open to visitors every Thursday to Sunday from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

Parc Howard Museum is being reopened in two stages, with the ground floor galleries having opened on 2 December, whilst the remainder of the Museum is on track to reopen in Easter 2024. Parc Howard is part of the CofGâr family, the Carmarthenshire County Council Museums and Arts Service.

A new visitor entrance improves access to the historic mansion house, which was gifted as a public museum in 1912 by its owners to the town of Llanelli. Visitors will find a brand-new gift shop offering hot drinks, snacks and ice creams. There are also plenty of books, toys and stocking fillers for Christmas too.

A new visitor route through the Museum explores chapters from Llanelli’s history. The Llanelly Pottery Stories exhibition is the culmination of a two-year public engagement project funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Collections Fund. The family-friendly exhibition showcases the Museum’s expansive pottery collection in an engaging way through stories of the pottery and its workers.

Since 1912, a picture gallery has always featured at Parc Howard and the new exhibition recreates the traditional style from that era to showcase paintings from the County’s art collection.

By Easter, the Museum will feature new exhibitions on the history of Parc Howard and the Llanelli Story, a playful interactive gallery and a special exhibitions programme. Plans are also underway for a patio seating area at the front of the Parc Howard Museum for visitors to enjoy a relaxed drink and snack whilst enjoying views across the park.

The restoration of Parc Howard has been funded by Carmarthenshire County Council and the new exhibitions have been supported by a generous contribution from Llanelli Town Council. The Friends of Parc Howard Museum have donated new items to the museum to enrich the new displays.

Carmarthenshire County Council and CofGâr are thankful to the many individuals and community partners who have contributed in different ways to this project and who continue to give their time and support to this exciting new chapter in the Parc Howard Museum story.

Cllr. Hazel Evans, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism said: “We’re delighted to welcome back visitors to Parc Howard Museum, a much-loved jewel of Llanelli’s cultural heritage.

“Carmarthenshire County Council are proud to have made this ambitious investment in Llanelli’s heritage and we are grateful for the generous support of Llanelli Town Council, as well as the Friends of Parc Howard Museum and all our community partners. We’re looking forward to the second phase of reopening next year when visitors can enjoy even more exciting and interactive experiences in the first-floor galleries.”

Llanelli Town Mayor, Cllr Nicholas Pearce said: “Llanelli Town Council is delighted to see the redevelopment of the Parc Howard Museum nearing completion, this updated facility funded by Carmarthenshire County Council and Llanelli Town Council will be a great asset to the community and provides a wonderful opportunity for residents to further understand the fascinating history of Llanelli”

Parc Howard Museum Opening times:

2 December 2023 to 31 March 2024, open Thursday to Sunday, 10:30am – 3:30pm.

Visit the CofGâr website for more opening times and information or follow CofGâr on social media.