Cyfarthfa Celebrated Among Global Heritage Giants at National Awards

The Cyfarthfa200 campaign has been recognised as one of the UK’s leading cultural initiatives at the 2026 Museums and Heritage Awards. Shortlisted for Marketing and Communications Campaign of the Year, the project was celebrated alongside global icons including the Natural History Museum, Imperial War Museums, and The National Gallery.

The ceremony, held on Wednesday 13 May 2026, at the Hilton Park Lane in London, showcased the best of the global heritage sector. While Cyfarthfa did not take home the final trophy, its inclusion in the top tier of finalists, alongside other prestigious organisations in the heritage sector, highlights the extraordinary impact of the campaign which marked the bicentenary of Cyfarthfa Castle as well as the significant future potential of the Cyfarthfa site.

Led by the Cyfarthfa Foundation and Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, the Cyfarthfa200 campaign saw a bumper programme of over 200 events and exhibitions take place to highlight the national and international importance of the Cyfarthfa site during its bicentenary. 

The Cyfarthfa200 programme was brought to life by the Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery team, the Foundation, and a diverse range of local organisations and individuals across Cyfarthfa Park, the local community and the wider borough. It drew thousands of visitors and highlighted the site's role as a ‘crucible of the Industrial Revolution’ and a vital cultural and community hub. The museum and gallery also saw visitor admissions increased by over 75% compared to the previous year.

This year’s shortlist included entrants from all over the United Kingdom as well as museums and other cultural organisations in 10 other countries ranging from Malta to Australia and Spain. Finalists were chosen by an independent panel of nine judges, who are all well-known in the museum’s world.

Jess Mahoney, Chief Executive of the Cyfarthfa Foundation commented "To be shortlisted on a global stage alongside iconic institutions like the Natural History Museum is a phenomenal achievement for Cyfarthfa. This shortlisting is a testament to the hard work of our community and partners who helped us celebrate Cyfarthfa’s 200th birthday so vibrantly, and to the significance of Merthyr’s global story. We are incredibly proud that our local history has been recognized, and this only fuels our ambition for Cyfarthfa’s future as a leading culture and heritage destination and catalyst for positive change."

Leader of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, Cllr Brent Carter said “It’s wonderful to see Cyfarthfa Foundation and the Museum being recognised for all their fantastic work over the last year. This is a truly phenomenal achievement and a real testament to the commitment, care and passion of everyone involved. Their work continues to make an enormous difference, not only in preserving our heritage but in enriching the cultural life of our community.”

To find out more about Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery, and learn more about Merthyr Tydfil's rich heritage from the Roman conquest to the Industrial Revolution, visit Home | Museums