Working with the public and local schoolchildren, artists created an eye-catching procession celebrating the Glynn Vivian collection, the new gallery and the city of Swansea itself. Alien dancers, giant inflatable swans, puppets and a psychedelic film all helped bring the party to life.

Thanks in part to a £576,500 investment from National Lottery players, Glynn Vivian has now been transformed into a destination art gallery of international significance, featuring new spaces for touring exhibitions, displays and lectures as well as a fully accessible entrance, café and shop. 

An exhibition of 10 drawings by Leonardo da Vinci and a Picasso masterpiece are among the attractions visitors can look forward to on their first visit to the gallery, as well as hundreds of artefacts collected by gallery founder Richard Glynn Vivian during his travels around the world in the 19th century. 

The Grade II listed gallery, which was founded in 1911,  has also benefited from complete restoration and improvement to its facilities and access, and is now linked to the main gallery through a state of the art walkway.

Swansea and the surrounding area has already benefited from over £26million of HLF support for projects, large and small, that make a real difference to people’s lives. From the renowned Dylan Thomas Centre and award -winning National Waterfront Museum to the redevelopment of one of Wales’ oldest public parks – Cwmdonkin – and conservation of nearby Gower’s diverse and stunning landscape, Glynn Vivian is the latest in a long line of fantastic attractions the area has to offer for locals and visitors alike.

Find out more on the Glynn Vivian website.