Business Details
Royal Cornwall Museum - Explore Cornish Heritage
Royal Cornwall Museum stands as Cornwall's premier institution for cultural history, safeguarding over a million objects that illuminate the region's heritage. Our mission is to serve as a dynamic cultural hub, fostering exploration and engagement through our extensive collections, temporary exhibitions, and educational programs. Accredited by Arts Council England, we uphold rigorous standards in collection care and public access. As a charity governed by the Royal Institution of Cornwall since 1818, we rely on visitor support and grants to maintain our vital role in preserving Cornish identity.Our team of professionals and volunteers ensures accessibility for all, with facilities including wheelchair access, sensory maps, and inclusive programming. Through partnerships with Arts Council England and Cornwall Council, we continue to evolve while maintaining our commitment to community engagement and historical preservation.
Services
Art Exhibitions
Historical Collections
Educational Tours
Venue Hire
Photographic Archives
Costume Displays
Library Access
Community Events
Accessibility Services
Cultural Workshops
Highlights and features
- We offer the largest collection of Cornish cultural artefacts and art
- Our museum maintains Arts Council England accreditation standards
- We provide free entry for children and educational resources
- Our accessible facilities cater to all visitor needs
- We deliver community-focused heritage programming
Associations and certifications
- Arts Council England
Services
Art Exhibitions
Our rotating art exhibitions showcase Cornish artists and contemporary creators. Featuring works from historical collections to modern installations, these exhibits explore Cornwall's artistic legacy. Visitors engage with diverse mediums including painting, sculpture, and digital art through curated displays and interactive elements.
Historical Collections
Over one million artefacts trace Cornwall's cultural evolution from ancient times to present day. The collections include archaeological finds, domestic objects, and industrial heritage items. Each piece contributes to understanding Cornish identity through material culture spanning multiple historical periods.
Educational Programs
We deliver curriculum-linked educational experiences for schools and community groups. Programs combine object handling, gallery exploration, and creative activities. Our learning team develops resources that connect Cornish history with contemporary issues in engaging, accessible ways for all age groups.
Venue Hire
Historic gallery spaces accommodate weddings, conferences, and cultural events. Our venues combine architectural character with modern facilities. The flexible spaces feature natural daylight, accessibility features, and support for audio-visual requirements across different room configurations.
Photographic Archives
Our photographic collection contains over 50,000 images documenting Cornish life from 1845 to the present. The archive includes professional and amateur works showing social history, landscapes, and cultural practices. Digitization projects make these visual records accessible for research and educational purposes.
People
Paul Holden
Trustee
Former National Trust heritage professional with expertise in architectural history and conservation. Editor of Historic Buildings & Places journal and advisor to Truro Cathedral. Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London.
Nerys Watts
Trustee
Heritage sector leader with 30 years' experience. Former Director of External Affairs at SS Great Britain Trust. Specialises in heritage accessibility and strategic development. Currently Chief Operating Officer at Wells Cathedral.
Steven Webb
Trustee
Accessibility advocate and former Truro Mayor. Quadriplegic mindfulness teacher with expertise in inclusive community development. Focuses on making heritage accessible through physical and programmatic improvements.
Mary Godwin
Trustee
Museum director with experience at Arts Council England and Bodmin Keep Army Museum. History of Art MA graduate with expertise in collection management and cultural policy across UK heritage institutions.
Jonathan Morton
Co-Director
Senior museum professional overseeing operational management. Coordinates collections care, exhibition development, and visitor services. Focuses on maintaining accreditation standards and strategic growth initiatives.
Questions
What are the museum's opening hours?
We're open daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Winter hours exclude Sundays and Mondays outside school holidays.
How much is admission?
Adult tickets cost £10 with annual pass benefits. Under 18s receive free entry with no charge for carers.
Is the museum accessible for disabled visitors?
Yes, we're fully wheelchair accessible with lift, ramp, and sensory maps. Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities available.
What exhibitions are currently showing?
Current exhibitions include Tony Foster's 'Exploring Time' and Heather Rothney's 'An Pobel' photographic project until late 2025.
Can I host events at the museum?
Our galleries accommodate weddings, conferences, and cultural events with flexible spaces and modern facilities.
How can I support the museum?
Support through membership, volunteering, donations, or legacy gifts helps preserve Cornish heritage for future generations.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Kylie J.
Jan 10, 2022
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Brilliant of course the mummy was my favourite as it is such a rare sight to see but there is a huge collection of various items from stone age throughout. I do wish there was a little more information avaliable to work out what the items were and used for. It is worth the visit and I definitely would visit again.
Sarah Bayley
Dec 12, 2021
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We visited the Tony Foster Exhibition, it's definitely worth visiting. His paintings through the lockdowns are especially beautiful.
Ashley Brook
Nov 25, 2021
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Lovely place to visit. The staff were very friendly and approachable. After paying and walking into the gallery; there was a lovely lady who told me where to find all the exhibitions, and where to start. There is lots to see, from various parts in history, going back the ancient caveman and women, to the Romans, and the modern day and towards the future in relation to how Cornwall is involved with space. There is little interaction for young children, and some have been disabled due to Covid. There was a large touch screen with interaction, but for some reason it kept freezing, so I gave up trying
Debbie Allen
Oct 27, 2021
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We love coming here to this museum, every time we come to Cornwall. It's an excellent museum. There's so much to see there and there's an amazing restaurant with good homemade food there as well. Most definitely would recommend this place to anyone that likes to learn about the history of Cornwall.
