Old Library

The Old Library is a Grade II* listed building featuring a neoclassical facade made of Bath stone with Portland stone columns and ornamental wall tiles depicting the seasons. The three-story structure retains its original vertical tube heating system, manufactured by William Graham of London.

Built between 1880 and 1882, it served as Cardiff's central library until the collection relocated in 1988. For more than a century, it was the city's primary center for learning and intellectual life.

The building now houses the Cardiff Story museum, where visitors can explore exhibitions about the city's past and development. It also serves as a performance and teaching space for the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, blending historical preservation with active cultural use.

The building stands at the northern end of The Hayes in the city center, making it straightforward to locate and visit. The interior remains well-maintained and clearly organized for visitors exploring the exhibitions and cultural programs held inside.

When it opened in 1882, a public celebration drew more than 5,000 people in a procession through the city's streets. The scale of this gathering reflects how much the community valued this new center for learning and culture.

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: December 12, 2025 07:56