Dylan Thomas was born in Swansea on 27 October 1914 and became one of the most important Welsh poets of the 20th century and a famous literary figure across the world. Since his death in 1953, Swansea has become a focal-point for Dylan Thomas fans, in particular for his huge fan base in America This year has seen this appreciation for one of Swansea’s most famous son’s sky-rocket as Wales celebrate what would have been his 100th birthday.

To mark this key anniversary, the Dylan Thomas Exhibition, in the very heart of the poet’s birthplace, has had a £1million makeover thanks to HLF support which ensured that a brand new exhibition could be in place before the festivities began. Completed in record time, the new Love the Words exhibition has brought this treasure trove for all-things Dylan Thomas, into the 21st century.

[quote=Hannah Ellis, Dylan Thomas’ granddaughter]The new exhibition gets a big thumbs up from me![/quote]

Visitors can follow 3D timelines of his life, engage with interactive trails and listen to some of his famous fans performing lines from his work, from Bryn Terfel to Benjamin Zephaniah, Richard Burton to Prince Charles. Artefacts, memorabilia and other pieces relating to Dylan Thomas’ life can now be displayed for this first time including a pre-holiday shopping list full of items his family would need before their voyage such as 'Coat for Cat', 'Dark Suit for Dylan' and 'Llewelyn's School Fees'.

Throughout November, the centre has been busy hosting the annual Dylan Thomas Festival, welcoming streams of visitors and fans from the world over to see the new-look exhibition.

Hannah Ellis, Dylan Thomas’ granddaughter, said: “The new exhibition gets a big thumbs up from me! As potentially one of the biggest legacy projects to have emerged in this centenary year, I’m looking forward to seeing the centre leading the entire Dylan Thomas community in joining forces and working together to all achieve the same goal; to celebrate Dylan Thomas, and Wales, on a much grander scale and on an international stage.”