Wales Millennium Centre
Wales Millennium Centre is the national arts centre for Wales, on Bute Place in Cardiff Bay. Opened in 2004, it stages opera, musicals, dance and comedy, and its slate and steel front, carved with lines by poet Gwyneth Lewis, is the Bay's most photographed building. It anchors any day out around the waterfront.
Photos
Sonam Jamtsho
The building
Designed by Jonathan Adams of Percy Thomas Architects, the first phase opened in November 2004 and a second phase followed in 2009. The exterior uses layered Welsh slate from quarries across the country under a stainless steel dome. Above the entrance, Gwyneth Lewis's words read 'Creu gwir fel gwydr o ffwrnais awen' in Welsh and 'In these stones horizons sing' in English.
What's on
The largest stage is the Donald Gordon Theatre, with roughly 1,900 seats, used for touring musicals and Welsh National Opera. Smaller spaces include BBC Hoddinott Hall, the Weston Studio and a cabaret venue. Several national companies are resident, including Welsh National Opera, National Dance Company Wales and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. There are also smaller performance spaces for studio shows and cabaret, and the centre runs Platfform, a free creative programme for young people aged 11 to 25.
Making a day of it
Even without a ticket, the centre is worth a look as part of a Cardiff Bay walk. The Senedd and the Pierhead are next door, the Norwegian Church is a short stroll along the waterfront, and Techniquest is nearby for families. Booking ahead is wise for big touring shows.
Highlights
- National arts centre for Wales, opened 2004
- Donald Gordon Theatre with about 1,900 seats
- Bilingual inscription by poet Gwyneth Lewis
- Home to Welsh National Opera and other national companies
- Welsh slate and stainless steel exterior
Good to know
- Major touring shows sell out, so book in advance.
- The Senedd and Pierhead are next door on the Cardiff Bay waterfront.
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Sources: wmc.org.uk · en.wikipedia.org