Go 300 feet underground with your Guide and see what life was like for the thousands of men who worked at the coal face. The Mining Galleries offer an audio-visual experience telling the story of how the Welsh mining industry evolved. There is also the Pit Head Baths building which houses four exhibition spaces and uses objects and images to tell the story of coal mining in Wales. Themes include children in the mines, health, home life and the mining communities. See how the life and work of a miner has changed from 1850 to 2000. Learning about the geology and uses of coal, mining disasters and rescue, discovering the role and impact of Trade Unions and Nationalisation, and get a closer look at some mining memorabilia.
Police presence at Cwm Colliery during 1984-85 miners strike. Image from Museums of Wales photograph collection.
What can be found at the venue?
Records or archive, Collection of artifacts
Related crime and punishment profession / organisation
Police
Significant collections relating to regional crime and punishment organisation or to a particular individual
The museum has a collection of police artefacts relating to miners strikes for example riot shields; helmets; truncheons and also photographs - however, check what is on display at the museum and what is in store.
Does the venue have an online collections catalogue?
Details of opening for public access and / or research services
Information to be given
Available services or facilities
Cafe, Shop, Visitor parking, Toilets
Accessibility and disability arrangements / Covid requirements
If you are arriving by car you will need to pay £5 on arrival. FREE for disabled badge holders and motorbikes. This charge is for parking only – entry to the Museum remains free.
9.30am-5.00pm. Last entry: 4.00pm. Underground tours: 10.00am-3.30pm.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. For safety reasons, we reserve the right to conduct bag searches when entering the Museum.
Opening Hours: From 8th November 9.30am-4.30pm. Last entry: 3.00pm.
Underground tours: 9.45am-3.00pm.
Access information for visitors is available at: https://museum.wales/bigpit/visit/access/
