Rhondda Heritage Park is based at the former Lewis Merthyr Colliery, Trehafod, and is one of the top heritage and cultural visitor attractions in South Wales. It opened in July 1989 following major restoration of the pithead buildings and is now a living testament to the mining communities of the world famous Rhondda Valleys and offers a fascinating insight into the rich culture and character of the Valleys. Its contemporary art gallery is housed in a converted colliery building which at the turn of the century was the colliery stores. It hosts a changing programme of exhibitions from artists of national and international acclaim and particularly welcomes Welsh art and Welsh artists with work connected to the South Wales Valleys, its industries, landscapes, places and people. In addition to its changing programme, it also boasts an impressive Permanent Collection of Welsh art including work from David Carpanini, Nicholas Evans, Ernest Zobole and many more.