All Medieval art & Early Renaissance art museums to visit in Wales

Discover the artistic treasures of the past at 12 museums in Wales dedicated to medieval and early Renaissance art. These museums showcase masterpieces from a pivotal era in art history.

Are you captivated by medieval and Renaissance art? Here are the best museums to visit in Wales:

  1. Caernarfon Castle1

    Caernarfon Castle

     Caernarfon
    Caernarfon Castle is part of a collection of castles and walls built by King Edward in Gwynedd. This collection was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986. This designation highlights the global cultural significance of these structures and adds to the appeal of Caernarfon Castle for tourists from around the world.
  2. Harlech Castle2

    Harlech Castle

     Harlech
    Harlech Castle is a museum in Harlech. The museum features exhibits related to Architecture.
  3. Raglan Castle3

    Raglan Castle

     Raglan
    Raglan Castle was one of the last medieval castles to be built in England and Wales. Although it was designed with comfort and luxury in mind, the castle was pretty formidable too.
  4. St David's Bishop's Palace4

    St David's Bishop's Palace

     Saint Davids
    High walls high cavred stone human heads and mystical beasts. Only the striking chequerboard stonework hints at what lies within what was once the fabulous palace of the medieval bishops of St Davids, built a stone's throw from the cathedral.
  5. Tretower Court and Castle5

    Tretower Court and Castle

     Tretower
    Tretower Court is a medieval manor house located in Powys, Wales. It is recognized as one of the most beautiful medieval properties in the country. The manor house is a Grade I listed building, reflecting its historical and architectural significance. Visitors can explore the manor house and its grounds, which offer a glimpse into the past and the rich history of Wales.
  6. 6

    Kidwelly Castle

     Kidwelly
    Kidwelly is everything a castle should be - Steep earthworks, high towers, tall walls and a great gatehouse which took at least a century to complete.
  7. Aberconwy House7

    Aberconwy House

     Conwy
    Aberconwy House, located at 2 Castle Street, Conwy, Wales, is a significant historical site. It is a medieval merchant's house, constructed in the 15th century, making it one of the oldest dateable houses in Wales. Its historical and architectural importance is reflected in its status as a Grade I listed building.
  8. Cilgerran Castle8

    Cilgerran Castle

     Cardigan
    Perched on the edge of a steep gorge above the river Teifi, the Normans first built an earth-and-timber castle here around 900 years ago. Lost and won several times over, it was the Marshal family, earls of Pembroke, who raised the imposing stone castle seen today.
  9. Rhuddlan Castle9

    Rhuddlan Castle

     Rhuddlan
    Another of Edwars I's North Wales fortresses not be to missed. Here he streightened the river Clwyd to make surew there was easy access to the sea.
  10. Chepstow Museum10

    Chepstow Museum

     Chepstow
    Chepstow Museum is conveniently located near the town centre, making it easily accessible for tourists. It is situated opposite Chepstow Castle on Bridge Street, and is also near the River Wye. This location not only provides easy access, but also offers a scenic view of the surrounding area.
  11. Lamphy Bishop's Palace11

    Lamphy Bishop's Palace

     Lamphey
    Now, as in the past, this is a place to seek solice from the stresses of everyday life. The medieval bishops of St Davids chose just the right place for a lavish sanctuary. The exqusiit palace reflects their wealth, status and power.
  12. Brecknock Museum and Art Gallery12

    Brecknock Museum and Art Gallery

     Brecon
    Y Gaer, located in Glamorgan Street, Brecon, Powys, Wales, is a municipal structure that houses a museum, an art gallery, and a library. This complex offers a rich cultural experience for visitors, with a variety of exhibits and collections to explore. The museum, in particular, boasts a collection that includes a tombstone of a young cavalryman called Candidus, found at Y Gaer, a local Roman fort.