Two Welsh Castles Shortlisted for the ‘Oscars of the Museum World’

Two of South Wales’ most celebrated historic landmarks are in the running for top honours at this year’s prestigious Museums and Heritage Awards — often described as the “Oscars of the museum world”.

Cyfarthfa Castle and Caerphilly Castle have both been shortlisted, recognising two very different but equally ambitious heritage projects that have helped bring Welsh history to life for new audiences.

At Cyfarthfa Castle, the nomination celebrates Cyfarthfa200 — a major campaign marking the 200th anniversary of the landmark building. Led by Cyfarthfa Foundation alongside Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, the year-long programme featured more than 200 events and exhibitions designed to showcase the castle’s significance both locally and internationally.

The campaign extended well beyond the museum walls, with birthday tributes from Welsh figures including Julien Macdonald, Steve Speirs, Owen Money and Ruth Jones, while celebratory flags lined the streets of Merthyr Tydfil. The results were striking, with Cyfarthfa Museum and Art Gallery reporting a 75 per cent increase in visitor numbers in 2025 compared with the previous year.

Meanwhile, at Caerphilly Castle, a bold digital storytelling project has earned a nomination in the Best Use of Digital category. Created by Cadw and Jam Creative Studios, Wealth, Power and Dangerous Liaisons uses immersive projection mapping and theatrical storytelling to guide visitors through tales of medieval power struggles, betrayal and rebellion.

The experience unfolds throughout the castle itself, with dramatic visuals projected across walls, rooms and historic features, culminating in a striking finale inside the Great Hall. The aim is simple: to make centuries-old stories feel immediate, vivid and accessible to modern family audiences.

The shortlist places both Welsh projects alongside some of the heritage sector’s biggest names, including Natural History Museum, Imperial War Museums, Southbank Centre and The National Gallery — a significant achievement for Wales on the international stage.

Winners will be announced at a ceremony held at London Hilton on Park Lane on 13 May, where cultural organisations from across the UK and around the world will gather to celebrate excellence in museums and heritage.

For Wales, the double nomination is more than just an awards success — it’s a reminder of the creativity, ambition and storytelling power helping to shape the future of its historic places.