How Brunel shaped Cardiff

Answers to questions such as why Cardiff's Quay Street is not near the water and why the Millennium Stadium was built where it is can be found in a new exhibition that opens in Cardiff's Old Library today.

River and Rail: how Brunel shaped Cardiff marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of the great 19th century engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel and illustrates how he helped create the city we know today.

Brunel is well known for great works such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge, SS Great Britain and Paddington Station.

What is less known is how Brunel's work influenced Cardiff's growth as a port and changed its landscape for good. This new exhibition shows how his work is still making a mark on the city.

The exhibition has been developed by Cardiff Council's Museum Project Team, and marks the next step in creating a more permanent testament to Cardiff's story in a city museum.

Brunel historian Stephen K Jones, author of Brunel in South Wales, in Trevithick's Tracks, said that South Wales provided the location and the proving ground for some of Brunel's greatest works.

'Brunel, like others before him and since, was challenged by the landscape of Wales to develop innovative engineering solutions, working with Welsh industry in his pursuit of excellence. His innovative genius is evident in many of these works."

A number of free activities and events will take place at the exhibition. Over half term, younger visitors can enjoy a programme of free events, including building a 15 metre bridge with members of the Institution of Civil Engineers Wales, and a chance to meet passengers from the early days of rail travel with Chance Encounters Theatre Company.

On Wednesday 22 November Stephen K Jones will give an illustrated talk about Brunel's work in Wales.

All the events are free but must be booked in advance by telephone on (029) 2087 3197, email museum@cardiff.gov.uk or visit the exhibition and book in person.

River and Rail: how Brunel shaped Cardiff is at the Old Library in Cardiff from today (Saturday) to January 14, from 10am and 5pm.

Visitors can also see the National Waterfront Museum's touring exhibition Brunel: Works in Wales. Admission is free.