Wrexham’s ‘museum of two halves’ asks public to vote on new name

Wrexham’s new museum has asked the public for help deciding on its name and brand.

Construction work is currently underway to transform the city’s 167-year-old County Buildings into a modern “museum of two halves”.

The council-run venue will provide a home for a national museum dedicated to the story of Welsh football. The city’s place in footballing history has come under an international spotlight thanks to documentary Welcome to Wrexham, which follows the fortunes of the city's football club after it was bought by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

The other half of the museum will be dedicated to the heritage and history of Wrexham as a city and county.

Two names have been shortlisted for the new museum based on audience research across Wrexham and Wales as a whole: Tŷ Hanes and Histordy.

Wrexham City Council said in a statement: “Soon we will be introducing a ground-breaking brand for a new museum experience, where the heart of Wrexham city meets the soul of Welsh football. This innovative brand will represent the coming together of two distinct museums in one dynamic destination.

“Designed to capture the essence of Wrexham city’s rich history and the vibrant legacy of Welsh football, this brand promises an immersive journey through the past, present and future. It will be a celebration of culture, sport and community, inspiring visitors from near and far to explore, learn and enjoy.”

Each of the two names “has a unique story and meaning behind it”, said the council.

“The name ‘Tŷ Hanes’ means ‘History House’. It’s a welcoming place to explore the history of Welsh football and Wrexham. The name makes it feel cosy, like a home full of stories to be told.

“The name ‘Histordy’ combines ‘histor’ from the word history and ‘stordy’ meaning storehouse in Welsh. In Welsh, words ending in ‘-dy’ often mean special places, such as archifdy (archives), injândy (engine house), or goleudy (lighthouse). Histordy is easy to pronounce for both English and Welsh speakers.”

The council is asking the public “to consider the ideas and inspiration behind each name”.

“Creating a new museum is no simple task and when it is two museums in one building it is harder still,” said the statement. “Part of creating a new museum is creating the brand that will raise its profile here in Wales, but also across the UK and abroad.

“We want the new museum to stand out from the crowd, just like our flag does and to be original. The aim is to create a brand that reflects what we value in Welsh football and in Wrexham.”

Councillor Paul Roberts, Wrexham Council’s lead member for partnerships, said: “With new, state of the art galleries and a fully refurbished and extended building, the museum will be a new national attraction for Wrexham, drawing thousands of visitors from all over Wales and beyond.

“Construction work has been progressing well on site over the last few weeks and there’s a real buzz growing around the project as the scale of the ambitious plans for this new museum are becoming visible.

“We are now asking the public to helps us choose an overall name for the museum that will encompass the Wrexham Museum and Football Museum Wales galleries, the shop and the cafe, the entire attraction.

“The new name will help give the new museum a distinctive identity, drawing together everything on offer under its roof, as well as launching a new chapter in the life of one of Wrexham’s most iconic buildings.

“We invite everyone to complete the questionnaire and be part of this historic moment.”

Welsh culture minister Jack Sargeant, said: “It is an exciting time for Welsh Government, to be funding this new museum. In choosing its name, not only are we labelling a building but we’re giving a home to the history, memories and future stories of Wrexham and Welsh football.

“Whether it’s ‘Tŷ Hanes’ or ‘Histordy’, each name reflects our nation’s pride to preserve its diverse history. Your voice will shape this museum’s legacy – please give your views and be part of a new chapter in Wales’ rich story.”

The new museum is scheduled to open in 2026.