Aberystwyth Arts Centre

Aberystwyth’s uncompromisingly rectilinear concert hall (1970) and organic theatre and galleries (2000) won RIBA awards for its architects, Dale Owen of Percy Thomas Partnership and Peter Roberts. The latest additions (2009) are artists’ studios with walls clad in crumpled steel by Heatherwick Studio of 2012 Olympic Cauldron fame. 

Find out more about Aberystwyth Arts Centre

Caerphilly Castle Visitor Centre

Designed by Davies Sutton architects, this light oak-framed visitor centre with a striking pointed roof is a pleasing counterpoint to the plain stone towers of Caerphilly Castle. The building faces south for maximum solar gain and uses the thermal mass of the adjoining moat to reduce overall energy consumption. 

Aerial shot of Caerphilly Castle surrounded by the moat and green banks.

Caerphilly Castle from above

Galeri Caernarfon

Conceived in 1995 as part of Caernarfon’s regeneration programme, this arts centre by Richard Murphy Architects opened beside Victoria Dock in 2005. A visible steel frame gives the structure a dockland warehouse feel, softened by green oak boarding. The interiors are simple, elegant and generously proportioned. 

Find out what's on at Galeri Caernarfon

The Great Glasshouse, National Botanic Garden of Wales, Carmarthenshire

When it opened at the National Botanic Garden of Wales in 2000, this magnificent glasshouse by Norman Foster and Partners was the largest in the world. The idea was to give the regenerated garden a sparkling new focal point, and sparkle it does – its huge domed roof gives off quite a glare on sunny days.

Find out more about the National Botanic Garden of Wales

Looking towards a large glasshouse containing tropical plants over grassy bank.
Interior view of large glasshouse with plants.

The glasshouse at National Botanic Garden of Wales, Carmarthenshire

Cardiff's Central Library Hub

With state-of-the-art technology designed to maximise its sustainability, Cardiff’s Central Library Hub (2009) is a model of eco-efficiency. BDP Architects clad the exterior in panels of metal and glass inspired by the spines of books on shelves. Designed as a venue for all kinds of events, it was opened by the Manic Street Preachers.

Find out more about Cardiff’s Central Library Hub

Crowds of people sat in a street eating and drinking.

Cardiff's multi-coloured Central Library Hub stands out from the more traditional buildings on Mill Lane

Hafod Eryri, Snowdon summit

Shaped like a weaver’s shuttle, this low-slung granite and glass building nestles elegantly into the rugged summit of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa in Welsh). The stone for the walls came from Blaenau Ffestiniog. Completed in 2009, the Summit Building doubles as a terminus for the Snowdon Mountain Railway, a visitor centre and café for hikers.

Principality Stadium, Cardiff

This massive Principality Stadium (1999) cost £121 million, but the average rugby-mad Welsh person will argue it was worth every penny. On non-match days, you can soak up the atmosphere by taking a tour. Guides take you into the Dragon’s Lair, the dressing room of the Welsh rugby team, and even down the players’ tunnel, onto the pitch.

Find out more about Principality Stadium

A side view of Principality Stadium sitting alongside the river.
Großes Stadion an einem Fluss.

Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Senedd, Cardiff

Parts of this highly acclaimed parliament building (2006), designed by the Richard Rogers Partnership, are open to the public. The reception area, beautifully lit with natural light via the tree-like Funnel, is particularly inspiring. To see more, you can book a guided tour, or take a virtual tour on the Welsh Parliament website.

Find out more about the Senedd

exterior of modern building.
Chairs and tables set in a circle inf the debating chamber of a parliament building.
Inside of the Senedd

Y Senedd, home of the Welsh Parliament, Cardiff Bay

Ruthin Craft Centre

A quirky zinc roofline adds a delightfully playful touch to this practical-minded gallery and studio complex (2008). Designed by Sergison Bates Architects, it contains wonderfully light, simply decorated exhibition spaces, workshop units and a café with a courtyard terrace. The walls are of terracotta-coloured cast stone. 

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External image of the Craft Centre with people sitting outside in the courtyard

Ruthin Craft Centre, North Wales

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff

This unmistakable arts centre by Jonathan Adams of Percy Thomas Architects was completed in 2009 and is already an icon of contemporary Wales. While some feel it leans heavily on stereotypes from the past (copper, stone, steel and nostalgic calligraphy), it’s widely praised for being welcoming and uniquely Welsh. 

Find out what's on at the Wales Millennium Centre

Blick auf Cardiff Bay.
The wood-clad main auditorium in the Wales Millennium Centre.
interior of modern building, with seating.

The Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, South Wales

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