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National Museum Cardiff

National Museum & Exhibition · Cardiff, Wales

National Museum Cardiff is a national museum & exhibition in Cardiff, Wales. Entry is free. See prices, opening times, the best days to avoid the crowds, parking and food, with every detail dated so you know how fresh it is.

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PriceFree entry
Checked on the official page: free entry; some exhibitions and events may charge.
Opening timesClosed Mondays. Until 1 Nov 2026: Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. From 2 Nov: Tue-Sun 10am-4pm. Open bank holidays except Christmas.
Best time to goWeekdays in term time.
School holiday tipEarly July is the sweet spot for Scottish families: English/Welsh schools stay in until about 20-23 July. Late August is the English/Welsh peak, so choose Tue-Thu and arrive at opening. Indoor venue: wet half-term days cause surges; check the forecast.
Best agesMost suit about 5-12; free places suit short visits with younger children
If it rainsMostly indoors: wet days tend to be busiest
ParkingVisitor car park behind the museum off Museum Avenue; Blue Badge holders free; disabled parking also at the front on Gorsedd Gardens Road. (£6.50)
FoodMuseum café in the Main Hall, daily 10am-4pm, drinks and snacks.
Money saverMany are free, so budget for parking and food only; go for 2 hours, not all day.
Top tipsFree entry; see the dinosaur gallery first.
What to packSnacks, water bottle, pram or carrier, wipes

Details checked against the official website on 23 Oct 2026. Venue website or source

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