User Guide
Section 4 – Managing the National Waterfront Museum
Steph Mastoris is the Head of the National Waterfront Museum and has overall responsibility for the operation of the facility. Steph discusses the mission of the National Waterfront Museum, its role within Amgueddfa Cymru-National Museum Wales and aspects of management.
Overview and Explanation ‘P’s – Steph explores the background and philosophy of the National Waterfront Museum and explains the development of the project as well as the importance of multi-media in providing a unique experience for the visitor.
Summary points
- The aim of the museum is to tell the story of industry and innovation in Wales over the last 300 years in a non-technical way.
- 15 broad themes are used to show how industry has helped to build communities.
- Multi– media and cutting-edge technology are used to provide a multi-layered, user driven experience.
National Waterfront Museum within Amgueddfa Cymru-National Museum Wales - Steph explains the position and function of the National Waterfront Museum within the structure of Amgueddfa Cymru-National Museum Wales.
Summary points:
Each site of Amgueddfa Cymru-National Museum Wales offers a different visitor experience.
It was recognised there was a need for a museum to tell the story of the industrial history of Wales in the same way that St Fagans: National History Museum tells the story of the traditional life and agriculture of Wales.
Mission and objectives – Steph explains the mission of the National Waterfront Museum and the wider vision of Amgueddfa Cymru-National Museum Wales
Summary points:
The objectives of the National Waterfront Museum are linked to the overall vision of Amgueddfa Cymru-National Museum Wales which is 'to be a world class museum of learning.' The specific objectives of the National Waterfront Museum are:
1. To explain the industrialisation of Wales in a human and understandable way.
2. To explain the industrialisation of Wales in an enjoyable and accessible way (access can be physical, cultural and intellectual).
3. To provide a fun experience when visiting the museum.
4. To provide a varied experience.
Staffing structures – Steph outlines the staffing structure at the National Waterfront Museum.
Summary points:
- As Head of the Museum, Steph reports to the Director of Operations: Amgueddfa Cymru-National Museum Wales
- About 45 people work at the National Waterfront Museum.
- Steph’s management team consists of:
- A Senior Curator
- Head of Learning
- Head of Visitor Services
- Head of Marketing and Communications
- Head of Technical
Visitors – Steph considers the range of customers who visit the National Waterfront Museum and the role Visitor Services plays to ensure excellent customer service.
Summary points:
- About 230,000 people a year visit the National Waterfront Museum.
- Key customer groups include families, tourists, adults and young people and those who reside within one hour’s drive time.
- Primary and secondary school students visit on formal educational visits.
- Informal education groups visit as part of the Museum’s Community Outreach programme.
- Free entry plus the museum’s city centre location encourages passers-by or casual visitors to visit.
- The museum provides a welcoming environment and safe access to customers.
- Staff working in visitor services must be welcoming but also vigilant.
Partnerships – Steph discusses the various partnerships the museum is involved with.
Summary points
- Local businesses via the museum’s five commercial retail outlets.
- Corporate organisations can hire the museum for private functions including dinners, product launchers and award ceremonies.
- The museum is a key partner with the City & County of Swansea.
- The museum works closely with two universities which support current industrial innovation.
Use of technology and systems – The National Waterfront Museum uses a wide range of the latest technologies. Steph provides an overview of these.
Summary points:
- Technology is used to provide a building management system, which controls the displays plus temperature, lighting and humidity. This helps to reduce carbon footprint and energy use.
- Technology also maintains a complex system for counting visitors. There are two systems, in case one fails.
- Financial and communications systems have a central shared drive, each member of staff has their own PC and can communicate via email.
- The security within building is controlled by technology which provides access to certain areas.