Old Library, Grade II* listed library building in Cardiff city centre, United Kingdom.
The Old Library features a neoclassical facade with Bath stone construction, Portland stone columns, and ornamental wall tiles depicting the four seasons.
Constructed between 1880 and 1882 at a cost of over £9,000, the Old Library served as Cardiff's central library until its relocation in 1988.
The building houses the Cardiff Story museum, which presents exhibitions about the city's history, and provides space for the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.
Located at the northern end of The Hayes, the three-story building contains original vertical tubed heaters made by William Graham of London.
The library's opening celebration in 1882 involved a public holiday and a procession of more than 5,000 people through Cardiff's streets.
Location: Cardiff
Location: Castle
Inception: 1880
Official opening: May 31, 1882
Elevation above the sea: 11 m
Website: http://yrhenlyfrgell.cymru
GPS coordinates: 51.48010,-3.17730
Latest update: March 8, 2025 17:39
St David's Hall
49 m
Cardiff Market
117 m
St. John the Baptist Church
100 m
Statue of John Batchelor
84 m
Morgan Arcade
146 m
Museum of Cardiff
11 m
The Glassworks
87 m
Miller & Carter
77 m
The Old Market Tavern
92 m
Ladies' Toilets
61 m
Sandringham Hotel
121 m
The Borough
115 m
Oddbins
133 m
Cheltenham & Gloucester Building Society
120 m
City Glassworks
102 m
Market Buildings (See Trinity St for Market)
129 m
Railings, Gates and Dwarf Wall to St John's Churchyard (S Section)
60 m
Hut in St John's gardens
37 m
Lamp Post
37 m
Lamp Post
53 m
Rohan
135 m
Wimpey
147 m
Borough Chambers
101 m
109, St Mary Street, Cardiff
151 m
Railings, Gates and Dwarf Wall to St John's Churchyard (N Section)
65 m
26-27 Nationwide Building Society
146 m
Churchyard Cross on S side of St John's Church
79 m
Gentlemen's Toilets
45 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes