THE National Slate Museum in Llanberis will open fully from Monday, July 19.

To mark the return to seven days a week, Amgueddfa Cymru is encouraging visitors to return and share stories of their experiences at the museum using #MyStoryOfWales.

The National Slate Museum is located in the Victorian workshops built in the shadow of Elidir mountain, site of the vast Dinorwig quarry. Visitors can travel into the past of an industry and a way of life that has chiselled itself into the very being of Wales.

The Museum remains free to enter but to keep visitors and staff safe, the museum has had to reduce numbers on site. Visitors will need to book a free ticket in advance at www.museum.wales/slate. Visitors are required to wear face coverings in indoor spaces at the museum in line with Welsh Government guidelines and to follow all safety procedures during their visit.

One person who has already shared their story of Wales, having visited the National Slate Museum is comedian, actor and broadcaster, Tudur Owen.

He said: “The Slate Museum in Llanberis has such a huge significance in this area of Wales. Personally, the Museum and surrounding quarries also has a real personal significance as my grandfather worked in the quarry his whole life. The Slate Museum reminds us of challenging times in our history, but it also shows us why the quarries are the foundation upon which our communities were built in this part of Wales. Communities which to this day are the stronghold of our culture and language.

“I remember seeing a huge photo of quarrymen at the Slate Museum when I visited with my family, and amazingly I found my grandfather among the crowd in the picture. This brought home the importance of the Museum and we’re lucky in Wales to have the family of museums which all tell their own unique story of Wales’ rich culture.”

Elen Roberts, head of National Slate Museum, said: “Our seven sites, including the National Slate Museum, offer an opportunity to experience culture and heritage first-hand, whether that’s watching slate being split, going underground in a coal mine or experiencing a woollen mill in full. The museums offer rich cultural experiences that inspire visitors and we want to hear their stories this summer.

“Since reopening, it’s been incredible to see so many people safely visit our museums and be inspired by the collections and their experiences.

Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales is a family of seven museums and a collections centre, which are all free to enter thanks to the support of the Welsh Government. Together, it is home to the nation’s art, history and science collections, which will continue to grow so that they can be used and enjoyed by both present and future generations.

My Story of Wales has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

People can share their story of Wales by tagging @AmgueddfaCymru on Facebook and Twitter and @museumwales on Instagram, and using #MyStoryOfWales. For more information click here.