The Vulcan Hotel, one of Cardiff’s most famous pubs, re-opens today in the grounds of St Fagans National Museum of History, just outside of the city. The pub, dismantled after closing in 2012, has been rebuilt brick by brick.
Photograph: Wales News Service
The Vulcan Hotel was first registered as an ‘ale house’ in 1853, to serve the mainly Irish community of what was then called Newtown.
During its long history it saw major changes as Cardiff grew to become an industrial powerhouse and then the nation’s capital, finally closing its doors for the last time in 2012.
Following a campaign to save it from demolition, the owners of The Vulcan Hotel formally offered the building to Amgueddfa Cymru — Museum Wales in 2012. Amgueddfa Cymru’s historic building team then dismantled the famous Cardiff landmark brick by brick before moving it to St Fagans.
The pub is being displayed as it was in 1915, an important year for the pub. At this time, it had just undergone a major refurbishment that saw the distinctive green and brown tiles added to the frontage, as well as a redesign of its interior.
The Vulcan will serve exclusive beer brewed by Glamorgan Brewing Co. Visitors can order order a beer flight containing a third pint of three beers, developed by the brewer in partnership with Amgueddfa Cymru.
“We know how much people have been looking forward to seeing The Vulcan open at St Fagans, and it will be a great addition to our collection of historic buildings,” said Bethan Lewis, head of museum at St Fagans National Museum of History.
“Our team of historic building experts and curators have been hard at work meticulously recreating the 1915 pub, and we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to experience this iconic piece of Cardiff history.”
Jane Richardson, chief executive at Amgueddfa Cymru, added: “St Fagans National Museum of History is an award-winning museum, and we welcome over 500,000 visitors annually. The Vulcan Hotel is a significant addition to the collection as it allows us to tell the story of Newtown and the Irish diaspora who lived there.
“Visitors to the pub will be able to experience what life was like in 1915, and we look forward to welcoming the first customers in May. I am also looking forward to raising a glass to celebrate and visitors will be able to enjoy a drink of our Vulcan beer on site.”
The public can still be part of The Vulcan’s story by donating to the project. Visit Support the Vulcan Hotel project | Museum Wales to find out more.
