Royal Cornwall Museum

Royal Cornwall Museum

The Royal Cornwall Museum in Truro holds an extensive mineral collection rooted in Cornwall’s mining and engineering heritage. The county’s artistic heritage is reflected in the museum’s art collection

This museum was founded by The Royal Institution of Cornwall in 1818 to promote excellence in science and art and to forward the world-leading industries that Cornwall was known for. In over 200 years The Royal Institution of Cornwall has established the museum, along with the Courtney Library, and a programme of lectures to further its original aim.

Our mission is to provide a welcoming, dynamic and lively cultural hub centred around our collections, that inspires people to explore, thrive and have fun. We are a charity that does not receive regular funding. Public support through donations and visitor income is vital to our success. We are grateful for the support provided by grants from Arts Council England through Cornwall Museums Partnership and Cornwall Council. We are proud to say we are an Accredited museum and uphold high standards of care with all our collections.

A spotlight show of small, bronze reliefs that illustrate the theme of climate emergency and the natural environment, produced by students from all over the country alongside professional pieces from the British Art Medal Society.

Everyone is an artist! Take part in an extravaganza of drawing that includes an exhibition of original works and prints by Old Masters alongside events that explore more contemporary drawing styles; graffiti art, manga comics and ‘bad drawing’.

Cornwall Multi-Entry Multi-Directional Visitors Guide © Simon Newbound