Owls and a Giant Toadstool Arrive at Cornwall Museum, Truro

A giant toadstool is about to sprout in a Truro gallery, and on three days this summer there will be owls perched beside it.

Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery in Truro has announced its summer programme of free family activities, and it comes with a few surprise guests.

Six weeks of myths and legends

The programme runs for six weeks, opening on 24 July and closing on 2 September. Across that stretch there are magical animal encounters, wicked word games, creative crafts, brain-teasing trails, storytelling and dressing-up.

Everything is built around the museum’s exhibition Cornish Myths & Legends, which explores tales such as King Arthur and The Mermaid of Zennor. The exhibition brings together a cast of giants, piskies, fairies and sea serpents.

The toadstool and the owls

In keeping with the theme, a giant toadstool will pop up in the main gallery. It greets visitors and sets the scene for ‘Tales under the Toadstool’, a session that runs each week.

On three special dates, the owls of Screech Owl Sanctuary will visit with their experienced handlers. They will explore the exhibition and give budding artists something to sketch.

Summer Passport returns

The museum’s popular Summer Passport is back. Travellers to the land of Cornish myth and legend collect a stamp for each visit, building towards a reward and a place in the summer prize draw.

Kids go free at the award-winning regional museum. Adult Annual Passes cost £10, which makes those return visits all the more appealing.

Tara Calder, Learning Manager at Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery, said: “With special guests and fairy tale quests, why not enjoy our lovely cool galleries on repeat this summer? There’ll be a sense of magic in the air, as we celebrate Cornwall’s wonderous folk tales – where they came from and why they still captivate us today.”

Our Great Little Kids Club

The museum has also teamed up with Visit Truro and Truro City Council on Our Great Little Kids Club, which offers free weekday activities for primary school-aged children. Sessions take place at the museum every Tuesday, and on rainy days throughout the holidays.

Full details of the programme are on the museum’s what’s on page.