04/02/2025

The doors of a Truro landmark reopened on Saturday seven days a week following a significant and exciting transformation.

Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery (formerly Royal Cornwall Museum) received £2.3m in funding from Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme via the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund to rejuvenate three key areas in the museum and take the 200-year-old institution into an exciting new phase of its history.

The design of the new Heart of Cornwall, Nature, and Art Galleries form the foundations of a transformed visitor experience at the museum.

This follows on from the recent Mineral Gallery renovation which launched in 2024 thanks to funding from the Truro Town Deal.

Cllr Louis Gardner, portfolio holder for economy at Cornwall Council, said: “This significant £2.3m investment in Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery is part of a wider £17.2m package of funding for arts and culture by the Good Growth Programme, ensuring that Cornwall’s rich heritage and creative excellence remains accessible for all.

“Museums play a vital role in connecting communities to their history, offering spaces for learning, play, and inspiration for families and visitors alike. With its revitalised galleries and engaging exhibits, this transformation not only strengthens Cornwall’s cultural offering but also enhances our appeal as a visitor destination, driving footfall and supporting the local economy.”

Museum Co-Director, Bryony Robins added: “We have thrown the doors to the museum open once again, are ready to welcome everyone, and keen share the incredible new galleries.

“There are so many different stories to explore through the museum’s collections and we’ve worked hard with our communities to re-imagine and re-display some amazing and surprising objects, along with providing fun and interactive activities.

“Our ambitions for the museum are really bold and we see ourselves as playing an important role for our local communities, as well as a place for visitors from further afield to get to know Cornwall more deeply.”

The newly developed Heart of Cornwall Gallery places Cornish identity, history, and culture at the centre of the museum. Here – through artefacts, art, photography and film – stories are told about the people, powers, and places that helped shaped Cornwall as we know it today.

The Nature Gallery has also been inventively redesigned in an interactive way to showcase Cornwall’s unique wildlife and landscapes.

The new space includes areas for children to immerse themselves in the exhibit and play, cleverly demonstrating how people and wildlife are required to live closely together.

The Nature Gallery also explores the impact of people and climate change on nature, and Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery collaborated with Cornwall Wildlife Trust in telling this important story.

The Art Gallery is another inspirational addition to the museum and, with works from the likes of Cranach, Constable and Hepworth, is set to become an essential destination for local art enthusiasts, as well as national and international visitors.

The Art Gallery, located on the balcony features an impressive ‘salon hang’, where multiple works of art sit alongside, above and below each other, allowing the viewer to draw their own connections and inspiration from the works.

In addition to the works that have taken place inside the museum, there is a new website allowing visitors to book tickets in advance.

Entry for under 18s remains free, and adults can purchase an Annual Pass for £10 for a full year of unlimited visits.

The museum has also relaunched its venue hire offering and is available as a space for large and small events.

Museum Co-Director Jonathan Morton said: “We’re grateful to our funders for trusting us to start the process of transforming the museum and bring to life the important collections we care for, for the next generation of museum visitors.

“The team have been working hard to get the museum transformed and back open for visitors. We’re open 7 days a week to make ourselves even more accessible and welcoming for all. Please do come and see the exciting transformation for yourselves.”

The museum re-opened on 1st March but the official launch takes place on St Piran’s Day, Wednesday 5th March, when over 500 guests will gather to mark the new era in the museum’s long history.

Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery opens seven days a week, 10 – 4pm. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or on the door and include all exhibitions. Free for under 18s, and £10 for adults for an annual pass.

To find out more, visit the new website at www.cornwallmuseum.org