We are CofGâr
We are a family of five museums that together make up the Carmarthenshire County Council museums and arts service.
At CofGâr, we believe that our past shapes who we are today. And it's our mission to keep the Carmarthenshire story, and the past, alive. Our Welsh name is a blend of memory and place (Cof = memory and Gâr from the shortened county name).
However, it’s not just about sharing the stories of yesterday. At CofGâr we want to kindle ideas and encourage people to positively shape the future.
Whether Carmarthenshire is your home, or you’re visiting from further afield, the CofGâr museums are here to share with you compelling chapters from the rich history of Carmarthenshire.
From the world records created on its beaches, to nearly half of the world’s tinplate being manufactured in Carmarthenshire and Wales in the 19th century, the county has a rich and varied history that our family of museums lovingly showcases.
We care for over 50,000 years of stories in our collections. We're certain that you'll find something that speaks to you when you visit. Stay tuned for more updates and, if you like what you see, why not join us as a volunteer? We’d love to hear from you.
Our Vision and Mission
Our CofGâr vision is to have community-focused local museums at the forefront of change, sustainability, collection care, and accessibility in Wales.
Preserve
We use our expertise to keep our past alive. Securing collections so they remain accessible for future
generations. Remembering the people who have helped shape the present.
Present
We inventively promote and present the county’s collections. They are for residents and visitors alike. In fact, for anyone with an interest in the county. Telling stories of Sir Gâr with imagination. And we encourage more people to share these stories. Making sure what happens in Carmarthenshire today, is captured for tomorrow.
Progress
Our passion for progress means that we always look to the future. Finding original ways to better tell the
Carmarthenshire story. Helping people to learn from the past to improve today and plan for tomorrow. Being clever in the generation and use of resources.
Meet CofGâr
Carmarthenshire Museum
Discover Carmarthenshire’s story in the wonderful surroundings of the historical palace and gardens of the bishops of St. Davids, Abergwili.
Dylan Thomas Boathouse
Explore Dylan Thomas’s iconic last home at the Boathouse—overlooking the Tâf estuary in Laugharne—now a CofGâr museum featuring authentic displays, a tearoom, gift shop, and his famed writing shed.
Parc Howard Museum
Discover the heart of Llanelli with stories of the town’s industrial past as well as an extensive collection of the area’s famous pottery.
Museum of Land Speed
Discover this brand new, family friendly experience which tells the story of Pendine Sands and the iconic speed records that were set there.
Kidwelly Industrial Museum
Famed for its local castle, Kidwelly is also home to the oldest tinplate works in Europe. Currently closed to the public, you can follow news of development at this historic place here.
What We Do
CofGâr is home to a vibrant family of museums that care for the stories, collections, and cultural heritage of Carmarthenshire.
Our work goes far beyond what’s on display in our galleries. At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to connecting people with the past in meaningful, creative, and accessible ways.
Care for Collections
We care for the collections that tell Carmarthenshire’s story — from archaeology and agriculture to art, industry, and the life of Dylan Thomas.
Create exhibitions
We create exhibitions and displays that inspire curiosity, creativity, and a sense of place.
Organise Activities and Events
We organise activities and events for all ages and abilities — from family crafts and storytelling to heritage talks and hands-on workshops.
Welcome Education Groups
We welcome all kinds of education groups, from schools and colleges to home educators, offering learning sessions that bring local history and global themes to life.
Support Communities
We support communities through engagement projects, working in partnership with local groups, and exploring shared histories and contemporary issues.
Promote Wellbeing
We promote wellbeing and inclusion by making museum spaces welcoming for everyone and creating atmospheres that can be both fun and exciting as well as peaceful and relaxing.
Host Weddings and Celebrations
We are proud to host weddings, celebrations, and private events in CofGâr museums — helping people make new memories in historic settings. Venue hire supports our public programmes and conservation work that benefits all our visitors.
Embrace Sustainability
We embrace sustainability by actively reducing our carbon emissions and raising awareness of the climate crisis wherever we can.
