Culture and History

Photo: Dylan Thomas Statue, Maritime Quarter

Swansea is steeped in history, and we are lucky to be right at the heart of things. With local galleries, museums and theatre within easy reach, it is the perfect excuse to immerse yourself in the history and culture of Swansea and Wales.

National Waterfront Museum

Located on the quayside of Swansea Marina, the National Waterfront Museum tells the story of industry and innovation in Wales, now and over the last 300 years. www.museum.wales/swansea

Dylan Thomas Centre
Discover all there is to know about Swansea-born, world-famous writer and poet, Dylan Thomas, and how this literary icon became a cultural hero. www.dylanthomas.com

Dylan Thomas Theatre
The Dylan Thomas Theatre is Swansea's only waterside theatre venue. A thriving community theatre in the heart of the Maritime Cultural Quarter, with a diverse programme showcasing the work of educational and community projects from throughout the region. www.dylanthomastheatre.org.uk

Swansea Arena
Sitting in the heart of the Copper Bay development, Swansea Arena is a landmark 3,500 capacity multi-purpose indoor arena which opened its doors in March 2022. Hosting some of the most recognised names in live music, comedy and theatre, the fully-modular arena also hosts e-sports, conferences and events. www.swansea-arena.co.uk

Swansea Museum
Swansea Museum, which opened in 1841, is the oldest museum in Wales and a fascinating treasure house of Swansea’s history. The collections contain all kinds of objects from the past of Swansea, Wales and the rest of the world.
www.swanseamuseum.co.uk

Attic Gallery
Wales’s longest established private gallery is located in the heart of the Maritime Quarter. Founded in 1962, it highlights the work of contemporary artists working in Wales. www.atticgallery.co.uk

Dylan Thomas Birthplace
In the trendy Uplands suburb of Swansea is the house in which the late Welsh poet Dylan Thomas was born and lived with his family for the first 23 years of his life. It is where Dylan created two thirds of his published works and played a huge part in shaping the style and output of the great Welsh writer. www.dylanthomasbirthplace.com

‘Copper Jack’ – the Swansea Community Boat
The Swansea Community Boat 'Copper Jack' offers a truly unique opportunity for both visitors to Swansea and locals alike to take a trip up the historic River Tawe. The 90-minute Public Sailings on “Copper Jack” are accompanied by a live commentary on the history of Swansea from its Copperopolis days through to the present day. www.scbt.org.uk

Photo: National Waterfront Museum