It is the first major museum to be built in Wales for 25 years

Thousands of artefacts will be on show by the time it is officially opened in the city's marina next summer.

Designers say by using interactive technology and animation it will be a departure from the more traditional industrial museums of the UK.

It will still house a few large pieces of machinery, such as a 33-ton steel rolling mill and replica locomotive.

Exhibition designer, James Dibble, said emphasis was being placed on the people who contributed to the industrial and maritime heritage of Wales.

"It is important that the experience is exciting and memorable, particularly for children," he said.

The new museum will interpret the industrial past in an educational as well as entertaining way Iwan Davies, Swansea Council

"Young people have access to IT at home and at school and will feel comfortable with our audiovisual material.

"Intriguing objects have been selected to engage both young and older visitors and encourage them to explore in greater detail."

Most of the objects illustrating each exhibition will come from the collections of the National Museum and Galleries of Wales and Swansea Council.

The �31m project is the first major museum to built in Wales for 25 years.

By starting from scratch, Mr Dibble of Land Design Studio, said architects were able to design the building around the exhibits.

The new museum includes the original Grade II listed warehouse that was the former home to Swansea's Industrial and Maritime Museum.

Designers aim to create a museum that will keep people entertained

It is linked to the new glass and slate clad building by a glazed central walkway.

There will also be educational facilities, a library, shops and places to eat and drink.

Exhibitions will be in both English and Welsh with most of the material being in digital form.

Iwan Davies, the council's head of tourism and culture, said the aim was to create a museum that would keep visitors entertained whether they popped in for 20 minutes or stayed for several hours.

"The new museum will interpret the industrial past in an educational as well as entertaining way," he added.