The Cyfarthfa Foundation opened its exhibition, Cyfarthfa: Past. Present. Future. at Cyfarthfa Museum and Art Gallery in January 2025.
The exhibition presented a narrative that highlights the journey of the rich timeline of Cyfarthfa - its origins, recent history, present day and aspirations for the future.
From the geological foundations that shaped the industrial revolution to its role as a home, school, and cultural hub across the last two centuries, visitors explored the global impact of Merthyr Tydfil’s iron industry, the everyday lives of those connected to the Castle, and the shared memories of school days, festivals and events that have taken place in the park, cementing its place at the heart of the community.
The exhibition also highlighted the restoration plans being championed by the Cyfarthfa Foundation, blending historic preservation with bold creativity.
The Cyfarthfa Foundation is a charitable organisation championing the vision to transform Cyfarthfa Castle and Park at Merthyr Tydfil - a crucible of the industrial revolution - into a cultural centre and visitor attraction of international quality and an engine of social renewal.
Thanks to support from the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science at the University of South Wales, the exhibition included an exclusive 360-degree scan of the interior areas of the castle which are currently closed to the public.
Guests enjoyed contemporary artwork that responds to the vibrant changes to come, including a newly commissioned artwork from Amanda Turner, a South Wales artist who was educated at Cyfarthfa Castle during it’s time as a school.
In 2025 Cyfarthfa Castle celebrates it’s bicentenary, and the exhibition formed part of Cyfarthfa200; a year-long celebration of events.
The exhibition was made possible thanks to support from Cyfarthfa Museum and Art Gallery, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, the University of South Wales, Merthyr’s Roots and funding from UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Cyfarthfa: Past. Present. Future. ran from 21st January to 31st March 2025.
