Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery Unveils Stunning Transformation – Now Open Seven Days a Week

Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery in Truro has reopened its doors seven days a week following a £2.3 million transformation, promising visitors an enriched experience with newly redesigned galleries.

The refurbishment, funded through the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme via the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, marks a major step forward for the 200-year-old institution.

A New Era for the Museum

The museum’s transformation includes the introduction of three key spaces: the Heart of Cornwall Gallery, the Nature Gallery, and the Art Gallery. These new areas follow on from the recent renovation of the Mineral Gallery, completed in 2024 with funding from the Truro Town Deal.

Cllr Louis Gardner, portfolio holder for economy at Cornwall Council, highlighted the importance of the investment, stating:

“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 to 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.”

What’s New Inside the Museum?

• Heart of Cornwall Gallery – Showcasing Cornwall’s identity, history, and culture through artefacts, photography, film, and artwork, telling the stories of the people, places, and events that shaped Cornwall.
• Nature Gallery – An interactive exhibit focusing on Cornwall’s wildlife and landscapes, with child-friendly play areas. The space also explores the impact of climate change, created in collaboration with Cornwall Wildlife Trust.
• Art Gallery – Featuring works by Cranach, Constable, and Hepworth, with a striking ‘salon hang’ display allowing visitors to make their own connections between pieces.

More Accessibility and a New Website

Museum Co-Director Jonathan Morton expressed gratitude for the funding and the team’s dedication to bringing the transformation to life:

“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 now operates Monday to Sunday, from 10am to 4pm, and offers an Annual Pass for £10 for unlimited visits. Entry remains free for under-18s. A new website has also been launched, allowing visitors to book tickets in advance at www.cornwallmuseum.org.

Grand Launch on St Piran’s Day

While the museum reopened on 1st March, an official launch event will take place on St Piran’s Day, Wednesday 5th March, with over 500 guests set to attend.

The museum has also relaunched venue hire for both large and small events, adding another offering to its revitalised space.

For more information, visit www.cornwallmuseum.org.