National Maritime Museum Cornwall to Reopen with Explosive Half-Term Fun!

Published On: 4 February 2025Last Updated: 4 February 2025By CornishStuff

After six weeks of essential roof repairs, the National Maritime Museum Cornwall is preparing to reopen its doors with a packed programme of events—just in time for February half term. From Saturday 15th February, visitors will be welcomed back with a week-long science-based event, Science of the Sea, promising hands-on experiments and exciting demonstrations.

A Half-Term to Remember

Running from 15th to 23rd February, Science of the Sea will be packed with interactive activities designed to ignite curiosity in young minds. Families can watch as the Museum’s resident scientist, Mr Wright, experiments with liquid nitrogen, or even see a Rocket Car in action. The event will also answer fascinating questions about how boats, ships and submarines move—making it both fun and educational.

This science-packed week marks the beginning of a full year of school holiday events, adult lectures and new exhibitions, including the upcoming launch of the Museum’s latest major temporary exhibition, SURF!, which will explore the past century of wave riding in Cornwall.

Major Upgrades During the Closure

The Museum closed in early January to carry out significant structural improvements, including:

Replacing the entire roof to prevent leaks
Increasing drainage and insulation to protect the building
Upgrading gallery spaces and improving access for visitors
Repairing high-level windows for better weatherproofing
Reengineering the popular Boat Pool, where visitors can sail remote-control boats

Although the Museum will reopen on 15th February, some external works will continue until the end of March 2025.

Richard Doughty, Director of National Maritime Museum Cornwall, said:

“Closing our doors for six weeks was not a decision we took lightly. However, it has enabled us to safely deliver a vast programme of work both inside and outside the Museum. The raft of improvements we’ve made will put an end to rainwater leaking into the building, the Cornwall Galleries will be easier to find, and we’ve updated the stories we tell about Cornwall and the sea, with new objects going on display.

The hugely popular Boat Pool, where visitors can sail remote-control boats, has been reengineered and access has been improved for the enjoyment of everyone. Some changes won’t be obvious, but the work undertaken culminates in an improved environment for all our visitors, staff, volunteers and collections.

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all our visitors for bearing with us whilst we completed these important upgrades. We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome our visitors back to the Museum.”

Plan Your Visit

Located on Discovery Quay in Falmouth, the National Maritime Museum Cornwall boasts 15 galleries across five floors, showcasing The National Small Boat Collection, temporary exhibitions, historical artefacts, and a boatbuilding workshop.

Opening hours: Daily from 10am – 5pm, except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.
Admission: Adults £18.50 | Children £9.50 | Under 5s Free
More info: Visit the website

With its biggest revamp in years complete, the Museum is ready to welcome visitors back with a spectacular half-term experience—and a whole year of exciting events ahead!