A new exhibition exploring childhood play in Cardiff from the 1930s to the 1950s opens at the Museum of Cardiff this summer – complemented by a fun-packed programme of hands-on family-friendly activities.
Ely Memory Lane (11 July – 31 October) combines oral histories, photographs, toys and a specially created video game to tell the story of how generations of children have played and grown up in Cardiff.
The exhibition is the result of a unique co-production project bringing together older residents from Ely, local school pupils and Cardiff University researchers, blending lived experience with creative interpretation. One highlight of the exhibition is Back in My Day: Ely Memory Lane, an interactive game inspired by real memories of play, which invites visitors to take part and reflect on their own childhood experiences.
Building on the theme of play, the museum has created a “summer of play” programme to encourage today’s children to make memories of their own.
Families can enjoy free Dinky Dragons sessions (10 July and 14 August), offering a full day of imaginative play, storytelling, rhyme time and crafts for younger children. Regular Crafty Wednesdays throughout the school holidays will give children the chance to design and make their own creations, with a new theme every week.
For younger visitors, the museum will also host the Lotta & Lola Museum Trail later in the summer – a free, interactive spotter trail where children explore the galleries through play-based challenges inspired by the characters from the book series by award-winning author and illustrator, Lauren Child.
Alongside these activities, families can also pick up Explorer Packs and become “history detectives”, searching for clues and solving puzzles as they explore the museum.
Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, Cllr Jennifer Burke, said: “Combining nostalgia, creativity and hands-on family fun, the programme on offer at Museum of Cardiff make it a must-visit destination this summer.”
Visitors can also choose to take their experience further using the free arts and culture app, Bloomberg Connects which offers a digital museum guide, interactive maps, multilingual content and accessible tours.
On the second Saturday of every month, from 10am – 2pm, the Museum turns down the volume in its galleries and offers extra resources for visitors with additional learning needs.
Admission to the Museum is free.
