National Museum 'in early discussions' over closing for repairs

A workers' union has said it is in "early discussions" about the potential closure of National Museum Cardiff for repair work.

The Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) said it understands that Amgueddfa Cymru, which runs the site, is "considering the possibility" of temporary closure but that "no final decisions have been made".

The building had to temporarily close for a few days in February last year because "immediate maintenance work" was needed with the Director General warning the site may need to close again to deal with its "deteriorating condition".

Amgueddfa Cymru said any planned decision to temporarily close the museum's building "will be subject to a full review and consultation".

After rumours on social media prompted questions about the future of National Museum Cardiff the PCS, which represents 188 staff members, said it was engaged in early discussions with the employer around what any potential closure could mean.

In a statement to the BBC, it said they were discussing "the impact on staff, the protection of collections and the future operation of the museum".

"Until those discussions have progressed further, it would be premature to speculate on the length of any closure or the implications for our members."

The organisation receives most of its funding from the Welsh government and in 2024 Amgueddfa Cymru confirmed "£60m of preventative and backlog maintenance, which has been identified as essential over the next 10 years".

According to an audit report in November 2025, but there has already been a reduction equivalent to a quarter of its previous workforce due to a voluntary severence scheme and further staff leaving.

However there continues to be warnings of wider economic factors driving up running costs alongside a "real term" funding cut, and bosses had previously warned the museum may be forced to close due to "deteriorating conditions".

In a statement an Amgueddfa Cymru spokesperson said the maintenance of the historic building posed an "ongoing challenge" ahead of its centenary next year.

"We are looking at options for potential improvement and redevelopment... ensuring it is fit for purpose for future generations," the statement added.

It said any closure would be subject to a "full review and consultation" with the museum's "staff, volunteers, visitors and the wider community".

'In the meantime, we have recently appointed a design team which means that enabling works which are needed for maintenance purposes can now be carried out in earnest and concept options for the future explored."

The Welsh government said it was aware of the claims on social media but stressed that "no decisions have been taken" regarding a closure.

"Any decision on options will be subject to a number of factors including a full consultation."