Big Pit National Coal Museum

Big Pit National Coal Museum, also known as the National Mining Museum of Wales, is a museum located in Blaenavon, Wales. The museum is located in a former coal mine and provides visitors with an opportunity to experience what it was like to work in a coal mine. The museum features underground tours, interactive exhibits, and a variety of other educational programs.

There are many things to see and do at Big Pit National Coal Museum, including:

• Underground tours: Visitors can take a guided tour of the mine, led by former miners, to experience what it was like to work in a coal mine.
• Interactive exhibits: The museum features a variety of interactive exhibits that provide visitors with an understanding of the history of mining and its impact on the local community.
• The Engine House: The Engine House is home to the steam winding engine, which was used to bring coal and men to the surface. Visitors can learn about the technology and mechanics of the engine and see it in action during demonstrations.
• The Miners’ Village: This exhibit allows visitors to explore a re-creation of a typical mining village, including a miners’ row house, a chapel, and a general store.
• The Pithead Baths: Visitors can learn about the importance of personal hygiene and safety in the mines by visiting the Pithead Baths, where miners would have bathed after their shifts.
• The Colliery Bank: This exhibit allows visitors to learn about the process of coal extraction and the equipment used by miners.
• The Blacksmith’s Workshop: Visitors can see a working blacksmith’s forge and learn about the role of the blacksmith in the mine.
• Education program: The museum offers a variety of educational programs for schools and other groups, providing hands-on experiences and interactive learning opportunities that help visitors understand the history and impact of mining on the local community.
• The Big Pit Shop: Visitors can purchase souvenirs and gifts, such as books, postcards, and other items related to the mine and its history.
• The Coal Exchange: This exhibit explores the economic and social impact of the coal industry on the local community and the world.

The museum is a popular tourist destination and it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is open year-round, and visitors can check the museum’s website for hours, tours and ticket prices.