The Big Pit National Coal Museum in Wales has debuted a transformed reception and retail experience following a six-month redevelopment.
The oldest building at Big Pit, part of Amguedffa Cymru – Museum Wales, has been updated to provide an immersive experience inspired by the stories and collections at the site.
The project will serve as a blueprint for all Amgueddfa Cymru attractions.
The new space at Big Pit features rafters and curved shop fixtures, Welsh miners’ lamps inspired by the underground tour, restored original coal drams, and other tools and equipment.
An immersive soundscape by sound designer and artist Guy Veale was created using recordings from across the site.
The museum has also developed more than 200 new bespoke products, all inspired by Big Pit and its collection. These range from coal-shaped candles to 1970s food, a tribute to the museum’s canteen exhibit.
Immersive shopping at Big Pit
Amgueddfa Cymru collaborated with local makers and suppliers on the project, including a local print company that has produced hanging banners showing how the building looked as a fitting shop in 1979.
Catherine Pinkerton, group retail manager, said: “From installing a new counter within the reception, to using original items as part of the shop displays, we have worked to reflect Big Pit throughout the whole project.
“There are so many hidden gems and stories for visitors to explore within the space, such as the immersive soundscape, collections-inspired products and new hand-painted signage.”
She added, “We’re so pleased to be officially opening the redevelopment for visitors to enjoy.”
Amguedffa Cymru – Museum Wales is a charity and a family of seven national museums and one collections centre located across Wales.
One of Amguedffa Cymru’s museums, the National Slate Museum in Llanberis, is currently closed for a £21 million redevelopment to safeguard its building and collection.
Images courtesy of Amguedffa Cymru
