Two wealthy Welsh sisters bequeathed their large art collection to the National Museum Cardiff in the mid 20th century, resulting in Cardiff having one of the largest collections of Impressionist paintings outside of Paris. With works by Renoir, Monet and Cezanne on display, this truly is a must for art lovers. As well as Impressionist work, there is an impressive collection of Welsh art from 15th century onwards, pre-raphaelite works and Dutch and Italian paintings.

As well as this, National Museum Cardiff is home to the new National Museum of Art, for Wales, featuring the full range of the nation's world-class art collection. For the first time, the National Museum's mix of fine and applied art from the historic to the contemporary is shown in a single series of integrated galleries, giving a new visibility to art in Wales and to the art of Wales.

Martin Tinney Gallery, just across the road is considered one of Wales’ premier private commercial art galleries and specialises in Welsh and Wales-based artists of the highest quality, past and present.

More contemporary art can be found at Chapter Arts Centre, in Canton, just a few minutes from the city centre. A former school, the building now features a 60ft light box which spans the whole frontage of the building - a living canvas to showcase Welsh artists' work. Equipped with cinemas, gallery space, restaurant and bar, Chapter is now one of Europe's leading arts centres.

St David's Hall, the National Concert Hall of Wales has a 1st floor exhibition space which showcases some of the most exciting contemporary painters in Wales and beyond. St David's Hall is also home to the Welsh Artist of the year competition.

In Cardiff Bay the Norwegian Church hosts regular exhibitions by local artists in their upstairs gallery. Just around the corner on the Flourish, Craft in the Bay is home to the Makers Guild in Wales, an independant arts organisation showcasing and selling fine contemporary Welsh craft and applied art.

To see a full list of Cardiff's galleries, exhibition spaces and arts venues, click here or to find something more specific use the search tab on the right hand side.

Sculpture & public art

Not all art is indoors, and Cardiff illustrates this with a range of pieces which vary is size, style, material and meaning. From the sombre Merchant Seafarer's War memorial outside the Senedd to the ultra modern Barrage Circles, Cardiff Bay alone has over 15 different sculptures and pieces. Download the Cardiff Bay art leaflet here. (pdf 1.6mb)

Competitions & Events

Artes Mundi is an exciting visual arts initiative that celebrates groundbreaking contemporary visual artists from around the world. Six artists are selected for the biennial 12 week Exhibition and Prize which takes place at the National Museum Cardiff.

The Welsh Artist of the year is an annual competition open to all Welsh artists in the UK and artists working and living in Wales. The winner is announced in a ceremony at St David’s Hall, with the overall winner in line for a £2,000 prize. The exhibition of the shortlisted entrants and winners, runs for a month.

Cardiff Design Festival is an annual celebration of Design and provides a showcase of Design talent in Wales. A programme of Design related events that inform, inspire and provoke, run throughout October and include talks, exhibitions and an awards ceremony.