National Slate Museum

Work has started on the redevelopment of the National Slate Museum in Llanberis, marking a major transformation of the site into a world-class visitor destination and gateway to the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales UNESCO World Heritage Site. Led by Rural Office, the project combines conservation of historic Grade I listed buildings and Scheduled Monuments with the creation of new facilities, landscape and play areas. These enhancements will improve accessibility, interpretation, and visitor experience while enabling the client National Museum Wales - Amgueddfa Cymru to display more of Wales’s national collection.

Rural Office has worked closely with Cadw, Welsh Government’s historic environment service, and supporting heritage consultants to develop a balance between heritage preservation and modern functionality, using materials that reflect the site’s industrial character. The new buildings, including a learning centre, café, and retail unit, offer a distinct architectural language using colour, tone and finish to compliment the adjacent heritage language and to assist with visitor wayfinding and orientation.

Closed since November 2024 for preparations, the museum is scheduled to reopen in 2027, offering an inclusive, immersive experience that celebrates Welsh slate heritage, supports traditional skills, and promotes sustainability.