Moma Wales

Gallery

Explorer Tom

In Machynlleth, the old Tabernacle chapel has learned a new trick: it now sends visitors wandering through art galleries and into a concert hall. The place once called MOMA Wales is now MOMA Machynlleth, and its rooms give Welsh artists plenty of space to start an argument with your eyes. Tom has voted for every painting; nobody asked him to judge. Andrew Lambert bought the former Wesleyan chapel in 1984, and it reopened for performing arts in 1986. Exhibitions followed as the Tabernacle Trust built its collection and neighbouring spaces became galleries. The old name survived until 2016, when MOMA Machynlleth became the name used for the whole art programme. Its collection concentrates on artists living or working in Wales, with works shown alongside loans and changing exhibitions. The building's past is part of the visit: a chapel, shops and other nearby structures have been joined into a place for looking and listening. Walk through the galleries without expecting one permanent route or the same works on every visit. The Tabernacle collection, new shows and an annual art competition can give the rooms different voices. A concert, talk or festival event may bring people back after the galleries close. Tom claims the paintings trade places at night to keep critics awake; the real programme changes often enough without his help. This is a public art centre on Penrallt Street in Machynlleth. Check its own site for current gallery hours, exhibitions and any separate event tickets. Give each room time, then step back into town and notice how naturally this former chapel has joined the everyday life around it. One good picture may send you home seeing the whole street differently.

What is recorded here

MOMA Machynlleth grew from the rescue of a former Wesleyan chapel in 1984 into a concert hall and seven galleries devoted especially to art made in Wales.

Read the whole record

MOMA Machynlleth grew from the rescue of a former Wesleyan chapel in 1984 into a concert hall and seven galleries devoted especially to art made in Wales.

Why it was built

The Tabernacle was first built as a Wesleyan chapel, giving the growing congregation a large worship space with the clear sight and sound needed for preaching and singing.

People and work

Andrew Lambert bought the empty chapel in 1984, and the Machynlleth Tabernacle Trust restored it. It reopened on 11 October 1986 as a performing arts centre, with an annual festival beginning in 1987.

How it changed

Art first shown on the stage grew into a permanent collection and purpose-made galleries. Later work joined neighbouring buildings, including the restored Tannery gallery and sculpture space opened in 2014.

What survives

The converted chapel remains the main concert hall, alongside seven exhibition spaces. Its public collection now holds hundreds of works focused on artists living and working in Wales.

Why it mattered

The project saved a prominent chapel and turned it into a lasting home for Welsh visual art, music and language, while keeping historic town buildings in active public use.