Dawnswyr Caerdydd Folk Dancers - a traditional side of Welshness. Courtesy National Museums Wales

National Museum Wales opens its new gallery to the public at St Fagans: National History Museum on Saturday March 31 2007 by asking Welsh people to think about the meaning of belonging.

Oriel 1 uses objects, photography, film, art, personal stories combined with the latest in museum digitisation techniques to show what it means to be Welsh and to live in Wales today.

The new gallery and display is part of a project from Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales’ major centenary projects, part of which encourages visitors from Wales and beyond to play an active role in investigating their beliefs, their roots, their language and who they are.

The focus is on history’s interaction with the present day in Wales and the scheme has received the support of First Minister Rhodri Morgan.

“Oriel 1 is an exciting new venture for St Fagans – Wales’ No. 1 visitor attraction,” said the Minister. “Until recently the Museum has focussed on life in Wales through the interpretation of historical buildings.”

“I am impressed at the way the Museum is now exploring Wales in the 21st century, involving people from all over Wales in an evolving and interactive attraction accurately representing what it means to be belong to and live in the country today.”

A modern day response to the traditional Welsh dresser, curated by teenagers from Penyrenglyn Community Group, Rhondda. Pictured is Gerallt Nash, Senior Curator at St Fagans. Courtesy National Museums Wales

Local communities, schools, authors, artists and poets have played a key role in the creation and development of the Gallery with projects, such as one led by animators Cinetig and Museum curators, typical of the ethos of the new gallery space.

Working with three schools across Wales the scheme saw pupils produce short films focussing on national symbols and traditions that explore the nature of modern family life and Wales as a multi-faith nation.

Another integral part of Oriel 1 is a Wall of Languages, which displays over 80 languages spoken in Wales today. Videos also feature the stories of recent immigrants to the country - giving voice to some new attitudes to Welshness.

Sirajul Islam moved to Cardiff from Bangladesh in 1963 and is currently studying for a Welsh degree at Cardiff University.

“I moved to Cardiff from Bangladesh to start a new life and I now consider myself to be Welsh,” said Sirajul.

“Not many people read books about the history of Wales and some ask me why I waste my time reading a language which is dead. I think it’s important people learn the history of Wales and its language and I certainly don’t believe the language is dead.”

Project leader Beth Thomas with the Wall of Languages spoken in Wales. Courtesy National Museums Wales

Elsewhere school children have curated their own modern day version of the Welsh dresser with objects important to them and young Muslim women from Swansea have created a display of stained glass.

There are also easily accessible sound files, a photographic archive and a specially developed programme that enables visitors to easily investigate the complex symbolism found gallery’s famous love spoon collection.

Oriel 1 replaces St Fagan’s old Material Culture Gallery, which was created 35 years ago. The Museum will continue to work alongside visitors to develop the Gallery and feedback and insights from people of many different backgrounds will inform its future developments.