The Cornwall Blog

Photo by John Hersey In March 2025, Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery reopened in the heart of Truro following a major phase of its transformation. Supported by £2.3 million from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the work refreshed several of the museum’s principal spaces and returned more of its art collection to public view. Formerly known as the Royal Cornwall Museum, it adopted its new name in February 2025 to reflect the importance of both its art collection and its wider programme of Cornish history, culture and natural heritage. A museum transformed The institution’s story stretches back to 1818, when the Royal Institution of Cornwall was founded. Today, the museum cares for more than one million objects, artworks, photographs and artefacts, helping to tell the story of Cornwall and its connections with the wider world. The permanent collections include the Heart of Cornwall Gallery, Mineral Gallery, Nature Gallery, Art Gallery and Ancient Civil...

It is hard to miss the history of Cornwall, from tall ships and smugglers to tin mines and satellites - its all here. Every little town it seems has a museum to boast, perfect for a rainy day or for the generally curious. In my home town of Lostwithiel we have history in spades. Our ruin of Restormel Castle, the Duchy Palace once home of the Black Prince and even our tranquil river, a very long time ago, was the scene of tall ships and bustling commerce making Lostwithiel an important place, in fact the capitol of Cornwall!  The two roomed museum in the heart of town does a wonderful job of exploring the many layers of this little town and it got me thinking about what might be the best museums in Cornwall to see.  Let's go big first, well put together and interactive, the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth has plenty to captivate and inform, a great place for all the ages. Currently focusing on a pirate theme, kids will love diving into the history of Cornwall's checkered...

I love March in Cornwall, so many spring flowers are popping up everywhere, there is just the hint of that lovely warm sunshine, plus the possibility of snow. It also feels like Cornwall begins to open up and for us locals, a sunny day means places like popular St Ives or Falmouth radiate holiday fun. There are plenty of events up and down the county to mark high days and holidays, but what has caught my eye this month actually only opens on the 31st of March, but it looks worth the wait! Pirates! A brand new exhibition at Cornwall's Maritime Museum looks worthy of a visit. For years the folklore of pirates has provided fodder for books, movies and the imagination, this year the museum seeks to go under the surface and find out the truth behind the tall tales.  It has been quite a while since I have visited the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth but I think it really uses its space well, creating exhibitions that engage on an impressive scale. The teaser video on the website cer...

The National Maritime Museum have an exhibition opening in March that focusses on our fascination with the monsters of the deep. My film-buff brother always had a bit of an obsession with the B Movie, 'Creature of the Black Lagoon', but our cultural fascination doesn't stop there. In literature, film and theatre we are drawn to the uncharted world that lies beneath, and the monsters that may or may not inhabit it. Falmouth's great interactive museum is running an exhibition from the 20th of March allowing you to explore and discover the legends, folklore and science of these nautical heroes and villains. Find out more at their website.

I thought this was a brilliant idea when I first saw it, and it still feels worth sharing. Wheal Martyn Clay Works, near St Austell, has worked to make visits more welcoming for people who may prefer a quieter, less overwhelming museum experience. A calmer way to explore Wheal Martyn’s relaxed sessions are designed for adults and children who may find busy public spaces difficult, including autistic visitors, people with anxiety and anyone with sensory needs. They offer a chance to explore at a quieter pace, with hands-on objects, sensory-friendly activities and trails. The museum also has sensory bags, an easy-read guide, BSL clips and quiet places around its large outdoor site. Carers are admitted free, and sensory markers around the grounds highlight places that can be explored through sight, sound and touch. It is worth checking the current arrangements before travelling, as session dates and activities may change. Discover Cornw...