
Royal Cornwall Museum
Discover Cornwall's rich history, global connections, stunning minerals, and diverse art in a beautiful historic building.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Royal Cornwall Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Cornwall's rich history, global connections, stunning minerals, and diverse art in a beautiful historic building.
"A gem in Truro, offering something for everyone with engaging exhibits and friendly staff."

🎯 Family Fun Guaranteed
Kids often get in free! Plenty of engaging exhibits, including an Egyptian area and playing spaces. :child:
☕ Cafe & Shop Delights
Enjoy a coffee break at the museum's cafe and browse the shop for unique souvenirs. :coffee:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rashleigh Mineral Gallery
Royal Cornwall Museum
Explore a stunning redesign of minerals from around the globe, offering an immersive experience.

Cornish History & Wildlife
Royal Cornwall Museum
Discover exhibits detailing Cornwall's rich past, from local traditions to its global connections.

Art & Automata Collections
Royal Cornwall Museum
Admire diverse artworks, including paintings and fascinating mechanical automata.

Egyptian Collection
Royal Cornwall Museum
A surprising and engaging Egyptian area that delights younger visitors.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Family Fun Guaranteed
Kids often get in free! Plenty of engaging exhibits, including an Egyptian area and playing spaces. :child:
☕ Cafe & Shop Delights
Enjoy a coffee break at the museum's cafe and browse the shop for unique souvenirs. :coffee:
🏛️ Accessible Building
The museum building is lovely and quite accessible for all visitors. :wheelchair:
🖼️ Diverse Art Exhibits
See a range of art, from historical paintings to contemporary pieces and automata. :art:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Family Fun Guaranteed
Kids often get in free! Plenty of engaging exhibits, including an Egyptian area and playing spaces. :child:
☕ Cafe & Shop Delights
Enjoy a coffee break at the museum's cafe and browse the shop for unique souvenirs. :coffee:
🏛️ Accessible Building
The museum building is lovely and quite accessible for all visitors. :wheelchair:
🖼️ Diverse Art Exhibits
See a range of art, from historical paintings to contemporary pieces and automata. :art:
💎 Mineral Marvels
Don't miss the recently redesigned Rashleigh Mineral Gallery for a truly immersive experience. :gem:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Royal Cornwall Museum for its diverse collections, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and beautiful historic building. Many highlight the value for money, especially with free entry for children, and the engaging exhibits that appeal to all ages, from the impressive mineral gallery to the surprising Egyptian section. The cafe and shop also receive positive mentions.
"I haven't been here since I was a kid when my mum used to take me and my brother every Friday after school to see the mummy! Absolutely fabulous building and is immaculate, the 80's exhibition brought back so much nostalgia 🥰 The staff were all amazing and we had a Learning Assistant come and talk to us about the paintings we were looking at, he was so knowledgeable and a credit to the team. Will definitely go back again and not leave it so long! Well worth a visit ."
Tamsin
"Superb museum, well worth a visit. Situated in the heart of town, has all the history of Cornwall, art, playing spaces for kids. Variety for everyone. Building itself is worth seeing from the inside. Highly recommend"
Mantas
"This was our first visit, and we really enjoyed it! It’s a small but interesting museum in the heart of Truro. It took about an hour to walk through, and there was plenty to see. I really liked the old furniture and antiques. The museum is great for all ages, with something for everyone to enjoy."
Kamagra UK24
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Royal Cornwall Museum is located in the heart of Truro, making it easily accessible by public transport. Truro train station is a short walk away, and several bus routes stop nearby. If driving, there are car parks in Truro, though they can be busy.
While there isn't dedicated museum parking, several public car parks are available in Truro city centre, within walking distance of the museum. Be prepared for potential charges and busy periods, especially on weekends.
Yes, the museum building is described as quite accessible, making it suitable for wheelchair users and those with mobility concerns.
Opening hours can vary, so it's always best to check the official Royal Cornwall Museum website before your visit. They are generally open on weekdays and Saturdays.
Absolutely! The Royal Cornwall Museum is a perfect indoor activity for a rainy day in Cornwall, offering hours of exploration and discovery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees are generally affordable, with adults typically paying around £7.50. Children often get free entry, making it a great value for families. Check their website for the most current pricing.
Yes, children often receive free admission to the Royal Cornwall Museum, making it an attractive and budget-friendly option for family outings.
While not always necessary due to reasonable pricing, checking the museum's website for advance booking options or special event tickets is recommended, especially during peak seasons.
Information on specific discounts isn't widely publicized, but it's always worth inquiring at the ticket desk or checking their website for any potential concessions or special offers.
Most visitors find that an hour is sufficient to walk through and see the main exhibits. However, you could easily spend longer if you delve deeper into the collections or enjoy the cafe.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum boasts a diverse range of exhibits, including the globally renowned Rashleigh Mineral Gallery, displays on Cornish wildlife and history, art collections, and even an Egyptian area.
Yes, it's highly recommended for families! Children often enjoy the Egyptian section, playing spaces, and the interactive elements. Many reviewers mention their children loved exploring the artifacts.
The Egyptian collection is a surprising highlight for many visitors, particularly children, who find the artifacts and displays fascinating.
While specific interactive exhibits aren't always detailed, the museum aims to be engaging for all ages, with elements that encourage exploration and learning.
The museum is housed in a beautiful and historic building, which is considered an attraction in itself. Its architecture adds to the overall visitor experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Royal Cornwall Museum has a cafe where you can relax and enjoy a coffee or refreshments. It's a convenient spot to take a break during your visit.
The cafe typically offers a selection of drinks, snacks, and light meals. It's a good place to grab a coffee and a bite to eat.
Being in the heart of Truro, there are numerous restaurants, cafes, and pubs within easy walking distance of the museum, offering a wide variety of culinary choices.
Generally, museums prefer visitors to consume food and drinks in designated cafe areas to protect the exhibits. It's best to check the museum's specific policy.
The cafe is a welcoming space for all visitors, including families. It provides a relaxed environment to refuel after exploring the museum's collections.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally permitted inside the Royal Cornwall Museum, but it's always wise to check for any specific restrictions on certain exhibits or areas.
Tripods and professional photography equipment may be restricted to avoid disruption and potential damage to exhibits. It's best to inquire at the information desk.
The Rashleigh Mineral Gallery offers stunning visual opportunities, as do the art collections and the historic building itself. Look for interesting textures and light.
The museum occasionally hosts art exhibitions that may include photography. Keep an eye on their events calendar for any photography-focused displays.
Sharing your photos on social media is usually encouraged! Tagging the museum can help promote their collections and exhibitions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💎 Mineral Enthusiasts
🎨 Art Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Cornwall's Global Connections
These connections are often illustrated through artifacts and stories that trace the journeys of Cornish miners, artisans, and emigrants. The museum aims to demonstrate that Cornwall's history is not isolated but deeply intertwined with global events and movements, offering a richer and more nuanced understanding of the region's heritage.
Visitors can expect to see how elements like pasties, pottery, and the legacy of 'Cousin Jacks' (Cornish emigrants) have left their mark far beyond the county's borders. This approach makes the museum a dynamic space for learning about both local and international history.
The Marvels of the Rashleigh Mineral Gallery
The gallery houses an impressive array of minerals from around the world, showcasing the beauty and diversity of geological formations. Visitors can marvel at the intricate details, vibrant colors, and unique structures of these natural wonders. The atmosphere is designed to be captivating, drawing visitors into the fascinating world of minerals.
This gallery is a testament to the museum's commitment to preserving and presenting its collections in engaging ways. It's a must-see for anyone interested in geology, natural history, or simply appreciating the stunning artistry of the earth.
Automata and Artistic Expressions
Artists like Keith Newstead have contributed to these displays, with works such as 'Gormenghast' captivating audiences. These automata provide a whimsical and engaging experience, appealing to both adults and children with their intricate designs and playful movements. They represent a different facet of artistic expression found within the museum's diverse offerings.
Beyond automata, the museum also displays a range of paintings and other artworks. For instance, a piece by Scottish artist George Sherwood Hunter depicting Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee procession highlights the museum's collection of historical art, offering insights into past events through artistic interpretation.
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