The Football Museum of Wales and Wrexham Museum will officially open its doors on Friday, September 25, 2026, with free ticket booking procedures expected to be revealed in the coming days. The announcement marks a significant milestone for the city, as the redeveloped landmark venue prepares to welcome visitors from across Wales and beyond.
A New Chapter for Wrexham Museum
The ambitious project brings together the stories, heritage and communities of Wrexham with Wales’ rich footballing history in an entirely new museum experience. The transformation has created a significantly expanded and modernised venue within the historic Grade II Listed County Buildings, retaining the character of the original structure while delivering a contemporary visitor attraction.
Heledd Fychan, cabinet minister for culture and sport, said: "This is a fantastic milestone – the Football Museum of Wales and Wrexham Museum will be a landmark attraction, bringing our nation’s footballing heritage to life while celebrating the rich history and communities of Wrexham. It’s great that Welsh Government support, joining that of other funders, has helped make this ambitious project possible. I look forward to visiting once the doors open in September, and I’d encourage everyone from Wrexham – and right across Wales – to come and experience this superb new venue for themselves."
Funding and Support Behind the Project
The redevelopment has been made possible through funding from Welsh Government, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns, UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund, The Wolfson Foundation, V&A Purchase Grant Fund and Wrexham Council.
Cllr Mark Pritchard, leader of Wrexham Council, commented: "The transformation of Wrexham Museum into a state-of-the-art heritage experience, and the opening of the Football Museum of Wales, have made this a destination venue right here in Wrexham. There was a great deal of competition across Wales to find the right home for the Football Museum. We are proud that Welsh Government trusted Wrexham – the birthplace of Welsh football – to celebrate its heritage for national and international visitors to enjoy."
Visitor Experience and Expectations
The venue is described as a state-of-the-art destination that will offer visitors an engaging and memorable experience, reflecting national pride on the football field while highlighting local stories and communities. The museum will appeal to local residents, football fans and visitors from across Wales and beyond.
Cllr Paul Roberts, lead member with responsibility for museums, added: "The redevelopment represents a significant investment in Wrexham’s cultural offer and will quickly become a popular new destination for residents and visitors, celebrating the people, places, stories and sporting achievements that have helped shape the county and football communities across Wales. The new visitor attraction is an impressive venue and a huge asset for the region, offering residents and visitors to Wrexham and North Wales a substantial new destination to include in their recreation and travel plans."
Preparations Nearing Completion
Passers-by will notice increasing signs of near-readiness as the museum is revealed to the public. Hoarding panels are due to be removed in late August, and internal preparations are nearing completion. The museum team will be ready to open the doors at 10am on September 25, 2026.
Ian Jones, chief officer for economy and planning at Wrexham Council, said: "There is overwhelming interest in the new museum from far and wide, we’ve received messages from international visitors who are keen to get a glimpse of the National Wales Football collection while they’re in the region. With the official opening date now revealed, we look forward to welcoming everyone to take a look and enjoy this immersive, memorable new space."
Alwyn Jones, chief executive of Wrexham Council, continued: "We are unbelievably proud of the professionalism, hard work and dedication from our expanding museum team. This is so much more than a refurbishment, it’s an entirely new venue which we are so proud of and can’t wait to welcome you to. Everyone who knew the original museum will be amazed at the expansion and quality of restoration and fit-out which has been achieved within the original County Buildings."
Further details about the opening, visitor experience and free-ticket booking arrangements will be announced in the coming weeks, with visitors encouraged to look out for upcoming announcements about how to book free tickets to visit the attraction.
