Rhagor brings to life many of the hidden treasures from National Museum Wales

A new website has been launched revealing, for the first time, many of Wales’ hidden treasures.

Rhagor, meaning ‘more’ in Welsh, has been developed by Amgueddfa Cymru, National Museum Wales, to increase access to the 4.5 million objects in its collections, held in seven different museums.

It will feature more than 100 illustrated articles, maps and puzzles, plus video clips and memories and stories submitted by the public. Many of the items on the website are too fragile to be exhibited at the museums or normally only used by experts for research.

Website visitors can try their hand at disguising a 17th century portrait

“This is the first phase of a very exciting project for Amgueddfa Cymru,” said Robin Gwyn, Director of Communications at National Museum Wales.

“Rhagor will develop over time to include more articles, images and other interactive features to make the museum’s collections, research and expertise available worldwide.”

Highlights include a miniature 16th century portrait complete with costume disguises which you can ‘drag and drop’ using the website, close up photos of delicate 19th century glass models of exotic sea creatures, the history of Welsh surnames and a remarkable collection of photographs capturing Wales’s rural past.

An interactive map lets users delve into Wales's history and culture

The website also features an interactive map that can be used to explore subjects like Wales’s national art collection, the nation’s history, the work of museum staff across the country and stories and artefacts from ancient Wales.

The website has been launched as part of Amgueddfa Cymru’s centenary celebrations.