FOR nearly fifty years, the Museum of Welsh Life in St Fagans has been bringing five centuries of Welsh history to life.

And this month, visitors to the popular open air museum will also get the chance to look to the future.

The museum, on the outskirts of Cardiff, is opening its popular House of the Future exhibition this month.

The house will be open to visitors between May 22-23; May 29-31 and June 4-6 and will give people the chance to learn about making their homes more environmentally friendly.

It is one of a series of exhibitions and activities being held at the museum over the coming months.

Since it opened in July 1948 the Museum of Welsh Life has established itself as one of the foremost open air museums in Europe.

Set in the grounds of St Fagans, a 16th century manor house donated to the people of Wales by the Earl of Plymouth, the 100 acre parkland now has over 30 buildings moved from various parts of Wales and re-erected.

Among the buildings are a school, chapel, workmen's institute, and several workshops where craftsmen including a blacksmith and cooper demonstrate their skills to the public.

There are also daily displays of traditional farming tasks as well as Welsh breeds of livestock in the fields. Inside the buildings there are galleries displaying exhibitions of costume, daily life and farming tools.

Among the attractions at the museum in the coming weeks is a 'Life in the Celtic Village' display.

Opening on May 29, it gives people the chance to find out what life was like for people living in the Iron Age and starts on May 29.

Other activities and displays being held include a 'have-a-go' archery display and the chance to see experts carrying out wood-turning. The museum is open 10am to 5pm daily including Bank Holidays and for more information call on 02920 573500.