CARDIFF.- All four galleries have a particular focus on the art of Wales and landscape painting, and all of these elements come together in the Welsh Landscape Gallery, a spectacular space which explores how artists have responded to the changing inspirational land of Wales for over more than three hundred years.

The sublime mountains and lakes of the north, and the rolling hills and fiery industry of the south have long been the source of artistic inspiration. Today, Wales is still attracting artists to look at the land in new ways and bring modern concerns to the ever-changing landscape.

Elsewhere in other newly opened galleries, visitors will learn of the lives of four eighteenth-century artists from Wales, whose careers spanned long periods in Italy and in London – Richard Wilson, Thomas Jones, William Parry and John Downman. Another display is of small intimate oil sketches of Wales and Italy. The last of the newly refurbished, stylish galleries places Welsh artists and collectors in the broader context of their time and contains many works from our magnificent eighteenth century collections. A new gallery of Victorian painting and sculpture, as well as a gallery devoted to images of Welsh people of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries follow in December 2008.

Funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, the Wolfson Foundation, and many private donors, work has gradually transformed the presentation of the national collection. These new galleries focus upon Wales’s own special artistic heritage while embracing both Welsh and world art in the stories we tell.

Oliver Fairclough, Keeper of Art, says: “These new galleries must and will satisfy the needs of the entire range of the Museum’s visitors. Our outstanding collection of works by Welsh artists is inspirational. New wall texts and introductory graphics are complemented by learning points which provide sophisticated hands-on activity for younger people. This is a huge step forward for National Museum Cardiff in the way in which we interpret our collections.”

The galleries show a greater range and diversity of objects, present well known art in fresh ways and explore new themes and ideas whilst creating spaces for education and contemporary art practice.

Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales is working towards creating a National Museum of Art on the first floor of National Museum Cardiff. This is one of many steps in a longer journey towards establishing a dedicated National Gallery of Art for Wales. The organization is striving to create a museum that enriches the lives of the people of Wales and beyond.