Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery

The Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery in Truro, known until 2025 as the Royal Cornwall Museum, is the county’s oldest museum, housing collections that span natural history, archaeology, fine art and world cultures. Founded in 1818 by the Royal Institution of Cornwall, it occupies a building on River Street in the centre of the city. It reopened in March 2025 after refurbishment with new galleries including the Heart of Cornwall Gallery, a Nature Gallery and an Art Gallery.

The Rashleigh Mineral Gallery, upgraded in 2024, is a particular highlight, displaying a collection of Cornish minerals that reflects the region’s deep mining heritage. Specimens of tin, copper, fluorite and other minerals found in Cornwall’s historic mines are presented alongside geological context that explains how they formed. The archaeology galleries trace human activity in Cornwall from the Mesolithic period through the Bronze Age and into the medieval era, with artefacts recovered from sites across the county.

The art collection runs from the 1300s to the present day and includes Newlyn School paintings and St Ives modernists. The Ancient Civilisations Gallery uses the mummy of Iset-tayef-nakht, donated in 1837, as a way into everyday life in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. Temporary exhibitions complement the permanent displays, and the museum runs talks, workshops and family activities.

Admission is no longer free. In October 2026 an adult ticket cost about £10 and doubles as an annual pass, while under 18s go free and National Art Pass holders get in free. The museum has been open seven days a week, 10am to 4pm, in the main season. Check the museum website for current prices and hours.