Arts and culture, including museums and galleries, are among the strongest sources of national identity in Wales, according to new public polling commissioned by Art Fund, the national charity for museums and galleries.

The research, conducted by public opinion research agency More in Common, shows overwhelming public support for museums and galleries across Wales and strong backing for maintaining or increasing government funding in the sector.

Nearly four in five people in Wales (79%) say arts and culture, including museums and galleries, are an important part of Welsh national identity. This ranks even higher than Welsh rugby (76%) and the Welsh language (75%).

The findings highlight the important role museums play in communities, with more than three quarters of people in Wales (77%) saying their local museums and galleries make them proud of their local area.

Wales is home to some of the UK’s most celebrated museums, with several recognised through Art Fund Museum of the Year – the world’s largest museum prize – including St Fagans National Museum of History (2019 winner), Chapter Arts Centre (2025 finalist), Ty Pawb, Wrexham (2022 finalist) and Narberth Museum (2013 finalist).

With voters preparing to elect a new government to the Senedd, the polling also reveals strong public support for continued investment in museums.

Almost three quarters of people in Wales (74%) say the Welsh Government should maintain or increase funding for museums and galleries. Support for funding spans the political spectrum, including majorities of those planning to vote Labour (92%), Plaid Cymru (87%) and Reform (83%).

More than half of people in Wales (53%) say they would view a political party more favourably if it promised greater support and funding for museums and galleries.

Museums are also seen as important spaces for education. Ensuring schoolchildren can visit museums on school trips should be a top priority for museum policy among the Welsh public, with 46% identifying it as a key role for government.

The research also shows that museums are widely used by families across Wales. Two in five people (41%) visit museums or galleries at least once a year, while almost a quarter (23%) visit several times a year or more. Among parents, the majority (60%) say they visit museums annually.

Jenny Waldman, Director, Art Fund, said: “This research shows how central museums and galleries are to Welsh identity. It’s a powerful reminder of the pride and connection that museums inspire in communities across Wales.

“As the Senedd prepares for a new term, we are calling for political leaders to recognise the vital role museums and galleries play, and to commit to investing in their future so that everyone can enjoy and benefit from them for generations to come.”

The findings are being shared as part of Art Fund’s work to highlight the civic and social value of museums ahead of elections across the UK. The charity is encouraging political parties to recognise the vital role museums play in communities and ensure they are supported for future generations.