National Slate Museum to Close for Over a Year for Redevelopment

The National Slate Museum, which chronicles Wales’ historical role in supplying roof tiles globally, is scheduled for a closure exceeding one year. This institution, located in Llanberis, Gwynedd, is the sole national museum in north Wales and is undergoing a £21 million redevelopment project, with its reopening not anticipated until 2026. During the museum’s closure, staff members have announced plans to bring the narrative of the slate industry to educational institutions, tourist destinations, and community gatherings within the area. Chief executive Jane Richardson stated, “The project will safeguard our museum and globally important collection so that future generations and communities can experience and enjoy the incredible story of slate.” She added, “This redevelopment will transform how we tell the story of slate, making our visitor experience even more exciting.” The scope of the work encompasses structural repairs to the building housing the museum, improved accessibility for individuals with disabilities, and the addition of a new learning center, a shop, and a cafe. Established in 1972, the museum is situated within a Grade I listed complex of Victorian structures that previously served as workshops for the adjacent Dinorwig slate quarry. By the close of the 19th Century, the region was responsible for approximately one-third of the global production of roofing slates and architectural slabs. Welsh slate found application in numerous buildings and palaces worldwide, such as Westminster Hall in London, the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne, and Copenhagen City Hall in Denmark. Over 8,000 artifacts from the museum are currently being relocated to temporary storage facilities near Bangor. Staff members have dedicated several weeks to meticulously document all items prior to their removal, enabling construction work to commence. In 2021, the slate landscapes of Wales received world heritage status from Unesco (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), placing them alongside renowned sites such as the Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu, and the pyramids of Egypt. Management anticipates that the renovation efforts will establish the museum as a primary center for both tourists and local residents seeking information about the region’s slate heritage. Additionally, the Llanberis Lake Railway, situated adjacent to the museum, is scheduled for closure in 2025. This is due to the necessity of replacing high voltage cables, which connect a nearby power station and run beneath its trackbed. Consequently, the village of Llanberis will temporarily lose two of its tourist attractions for a period of several months, a situation that has raised concerns among some local businesses dependent on tourism. Elen Roberts, the museum’s head, stated that while a period of closure was unavoidable, the institution’s activities would persist beyond its physical premises. She elaborated, “In 2025, we’ll be taking the museum on the road and working with our partners at nearby attractions and community events.” Roberts further expressed, “We’re very excited about doing things a little differently and going beyond the walls of the museum, learning from and engaging with visitors and local communities in retelling the story of slate.” Nia Jeffreys of Cyngor Gwynedd commented, “Developing this hub will provide the slate landscape with the world class visitor experience that it deserves – celebrating our rich heritage, culture, language and communities.” She continued, “It will tell the story of our role in roofing the world, the endeavours and innovation of our people and the toil this caused to our communities and landscape.” Jeffreys added, “The hub will also ensure that those who want to learn and see more of the World Heritage Site are signposted and directed to the other unique and monumental areas of the slate landscape so that they can enjoy and appreciate the rich heritage and culture of the area.” Funding for the project has been provided by Cyngor Gwynedd, the Welsh and UK governments, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.