Brynmawr and District Museum

Brynmawr Museum was created by the community and the inaugural meeting of the society was held on 4th September 2002, and the official opening of the Museum took place in temporary premises on the first floor of the then Haven Discount Store, Market Square 7th June 2003.

Having been allocated permanent premises by the County Borough Council on the first floor of the former Carnegie Library, the Museum closed its temporary premises on 27th September, 2003, and re-opened in its new location on 6th December 2003, sharing the building with the Council’s Open Learning Centre, which was then located on the ground floor.

When the Learning Action Centre moved to its current premises, the County Borough Council agreed to lease the whole of the Carnegie Building to the Museum and also to refurbish the ground floor prior to occupation by the museum. The Council had already refurbished the first floor for occupation by the Museum.

The Museum was again closed for a short time whilst refurbishment took place. It re-opened on 27th July, 2006.

During the period from inauguration to final occupation of the whole of the Carnegie Library building, and, indeed, until the present time, the Society has been fortunate in obtaining grants from various bodies and donations from private individuals, which has enabled the purchase of display cases, furniture and equipment.

There is a strong community involvement, and the museum is totally run by volunteers,with Patrons and Vice-Presidents and an active Archive Group, to date, membership of the society consist of vice presidents and patrons, and each year membership averages 125.

Since the Museum opened, visitors average 4,000+ per year, many from overseas and many “ex pats”. A good number, as the museum is only open 13 hours a week!!