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The Old Library, The Hayes, Cardiff, CF10 1BH Monday to Saturday: 10am - 4pm Sunday: Closed Telephone: 029 2034 6214 Email: cardiffstory@cardiff.gov.uk
The Old Library (Welsh: Yr Hen Lyfrgell) is a Grade II* listed building in Cardiff, Wales. It is located in the centre of the city at the northern end of The Hayes. Originally the Cardiff Free Library, it was used as the city's Central Library until it was replaced in 1988.
By Car: The Old Library, The Hayes, Cardiff, CF10 1BH. Monday to Saturday: 10am - 4pm. Sunday: Closed. Telephone: 029 2034 6214.
- History
- Description
- Yr Hen Lyfrgell
- Pub and Restaurant
Design, construction and opening
Plans for a new "grand and commanding" Cardiff Free Library and Museum were put before Cardiff Town Council in 1874. There were two options for the site, one being owned by Marquess of Bute at the corner of Wood Street and St Mary Street (though and attracting a hefty ground rent), the other owned by the Cardiff Council. Because of the restrictions and costs imposed by the Bute Trustees, the St Mary Street site was rejected in October 1874.In 1879 another option, to rebuild and extend the exi...
Library 1924–1988
The Schools of Science and Art were housed in the building until 1890 when it moved to buildings that were part of the University College. The museum contents moved to the National Museum of Walesin 1923. The building subsequently became simply Cardiff Library. In December 1988 a new Cardiff Central Library opened in Frederick Street and the old library was closed.
Post-library history
Following its closure as a library, the Old Library was used for a number of years as artists' studios. In 1992 a feasibility study was carried out with view to the building becoming an arts centre. After receiving £9 million in grants, a new 'glass box' entrance was created on the east side of the building and the original tiled corridor was closed. The building opened as Cardiff's Centre for Visual Arts (CVA) in 1999. With two galleries totalling 1300@ square metres, it became the largest v...
The 1882 Free Library building was 55 feet north to south, by 108 feet in width, with the public library on the ground floor, the schools on the first floor and the museum on the second floor (partially within the roof space and supported by semi-circular arched iron ribs). The post 1896 building has two main storeys, plus a basement and the attic ...
In 2015 plans were announced to convert the first floor gallery into a Welsh language centre, with a cafe bar, run by Clwb Ifor Bach, book shop and classrooms.The centre had planned to open in November 2015 but after some delays opened its doors in February 2016. The centre also hosts activities that are co-ordinated by the organisers of the Tafwyl...
The northern end of the Old Library houses Locke & Remedy, which is a pub/restaurant. There have been a number of pub/restaurants that have briefly occupied the building, from Bar 1876, Big Blue Bar, The Exhibition, all of which eventually closed.
With free admission and described by the Lonely Planet as not just the best museum in Dublin, but one of the best in Europe, the Chester Beatty Library is a must-see on any Dublin visitor's itinerary.
Visit President Rutherford B. Hayes’ wooded estate named Spiegel Grove, home of America’s first presidential library. Tour the president’s 31-room Victorian mansion, see his tomb, visit the newly renovated museum, explore the library and walk the mile of paved trails.
People also ask
Where is the Hayes Museum & Museum?
Who designed the Cardiff Free Library & Museum?
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How big was the Free Library in 1882?
Cardiff Story Museum is housed in the Grade II* listed Old Library building, one of Cardiff’s most iconic buildings. It is rich in stories, objects, photographs and film telling the history of Cardiff through the eyes of those who created the city - its people.
