Aberfan 60: New Exhibition Opens at Cyfarthfa Castle: what residents need to know

Name: Aberfan 60 – The Days After
Start: 2026-09-12
End: 2026-11-01
Location: Cyfarthfa Castle Museum & Art Gallery

History Desk 2026-09-12 10:06 2 min read

The Merchant Seamen's memorial sculpture in Cardiff Bay, Wales, under a cloudy sky.

This September, the Cyfarthfa Castle Museum & Art Gallery in Merthyr Tydfil will host Aberfan 60 – The Days After, a significant exhibition marking the 60th anniversary of the Aberfan Disaster. The collection provides a somber, reflective look at the community’s immediate aftermath and its long-term resilience, centered on the historic photography of Chuck Rapoport.

A Visual Record of Resilience

The exhibition features the work of Chuck Rapoport, who arrived in the village as a young photographer for LIFE magazine shortly after the tragedy on 21 October 1966. His images offer an intimate, historical record of the days and months following the event. Rather than focusing solely on the tragedy, the collection highlights the everyday life, profound grief, and the determination of the local community as they began the process of rebuilding.

Reflecting on his time in the village, Rapoport noted that while Aberfan was once a place few would visit, his experience there led to lifelong friendships. He expressed honor in the exhibition taking place, noting that his cameras captured both the “overwhelming sadness” of the village and the “joy of rebirth” that followed.

Aberfan 60: New Exhibition Opens at Cyfarthfa Castle: what residents need to know

Kelly Powell, Museums Manager, emphasized that the exhibition serves as a vital opportunity for reflection, remembrance, and learning. By documenting the village during a time when it was largely unknown to the outside world, the collection aims to ensure that the experiences of those affected continue to be remembered by future generations.

Planning Your Visit

The exhibition is open to the general public at the Cyfarthfa Castle Museum & Art Gallery. Below are the confirmed details for your visit:

Detail	Information
Exhibition Dates	12 September 2026 – 1 November 2026
Venue	Cyfarthfa Castle Museum & Art Gallery, Merthyr Tydfil
Audience	Open to the general public
Launch Event	10 September 2026 (Private/Special Launch)

Important Visitor Information

While the exhibition is scheduled to open its doors to the public on 12 September, specific daily opening hours, entry fees, and potential booking requirements have not yet been finalized by the organizers.

Because these logistics remain unconfirmed, visitors are encouraged to monitor the official Merthyr Tydfil Council news portal for updates regarding access, visitor guidance, or any changes to the exhibition schedule before planning their trip to the museum. Checking these official channels will provide the most accurate information on whether pre-booking is required or if the museum will operate under standard visiting hours during the exhibition period.

Source: Merthyr Tydfil Council News

Context & actions About this article

Source check Verified Council News

This event preview is based on the official press release issued by the Merthyr Tydfil Council regarding the 60th anniversary commemorations.

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