Overview
The College's stunning landmark building is located in the heart of Cardiff, overlooking beautiful urban parkland and just a 5-minute stroll from the city centre and mere 15 minutes from student halls.
The Old Library
We’re currently transforming Cardiff’s much-loved Old Library building. In the short term, we will use it for rehearsals, while we prepare the building for the future. In the longer term, we will run a vibrant programme of public performances and events across music and drama.
About the Old Library
Cardiff Council has given full backing to the RWCMD’s bid to secure a long lease on the Grade II listed building at the heart of Wales’ capital city. The ambitious plans approved promise to nurture the most diverse range of talents and combine innovation with Wales’ cultural heritage. Future plans include creating music and performance spaces, promoting & protecting the Welsh language and providing a ‘city living room’ for public access.
Take a look inside the Old Library
A fresh vision
This fresh vision uses our creative excellence to help realise the full potential of this beautiful architectural gem. Our bid includes plans to:
• Partner with the Welsh Language and Cultural Centre’s aims to promote and protect the Welsh language.
• Return the Old Library to its original educational function for the College’s students.
• Restore the listed building to showcase its original features, retaining the original building layout.
• Introduce a series of performance, exhibition and rehearsal spaces into the existing rooms.
• Provide public access to a ‘city living room’
• Open a café/creative workspace.
'As the National Conservatoire of Wales we want to spark curiosity and nurture the most diverse range of talents, combining innovation with cultural tradition with Welsh heritage. It is a real thrill to have this opportunity to bring the magic of the College right into the heart of Wales’ capital city, and work alongside local people, artists and creatives to transform our plans into a reality.
Breathing new life into the Old Library is part of the RWCMD promise to Wales, its capital and to our future generations. ‘Over the coming years, we’ll aim to offer a range of inspiring activities and creative experiences at the Old Library and we’d love to explore ideas for future collaborative projects with organisations and artists interested in sharing this opportunity. We’re also looking forward to working with Cardiff Council to return the building to its roots of education and community in the City of Music.'Professor Helena GauntPrincipal of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama
Location
Address
The Old Library
The Hayes
Cardiff
CF10 1BH
The Hayes
Cardiff
CF10 1BH
