The Royal Cornwall Museum
Over the years generous benefactors have donated an amazing array of objects, broadening the collection so that it covers for example Egyptology (hence our famous unwrapped mummy), fine art and world cultures, as well as classical Greek and Roman objects. The Rashleigh Gallery contains a world-famous collection of minerals, the core of which was amassed by Philip Rashleigh of Menabilly at the end of the 18th century. It includes the largest specimen of liroconite ever found, and a large gold nugget found at Perranarworthal. The Museum’s decorative arts collection and old master drawings are also very strong, the latter chiefly due to Alfred de Pass, another generous benefactor.
The Royal Institution of Cornwall – the organisation that owns and manages the Royal Cornwall Museum and Courtney Library – was founded in 1818 for ‘the promotion of knowledge in natural history, ethnology and the fine and industrial arts, especially in relation to Cornwall’.
Collections:
The Royal Cornwall Museum holds collections of Cornish and European archaeology and social history, as well as world cultures. The fine and decorative art collections hold work by Cornish artists, designers and makers but also contain significant works by nationally and internationally important artists from other parts of the world. The geology. and flora and fauna of the South West of England are represented in the geological and biological collections and are complemented by UK and world material.
The Liblary House:
The Library houses around 150,000 items (i.e. printed and manuscript sources, photographs, engravings, ephemera etc.) including:
A core collection of printed books and periodicals covering the history of Cornwall from the prehistoric to modern period
Substantial collections of archives of Cornish families
Important collections of Cornish historic photographs from mid-19th century
Original files and microfilmed copies of local and regional newspapers
General reference books and periodicals including fine art, archaeology, history and subjects relating to the collections in the RIC’s Royal Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery
VISITORS INFORMATION:
Opening hours
Mon - Sat: 10am - 4:45pm
Closed: Sundays and Bank Holidays
Early closing
Please note that the museum will be closing early on the following days:
Wednesday 8 September closing at 3pm.
Thursday 16 September closing at 4pm.
Free Entry
There may be a charge for special exhibitions. Please call to confirm.
Libilary Opening Hours:
Monday - Wednesday & Friday: 10am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm
Saturday: 10am - 1pm
Thursday & Sunday: Closed.
Access:
Most of the museum and library is accessible to wheelchair users.
It has ramps and a lift. Please let the Museum know if a member of your group needs additional help.
Car Parking
Secure parking is available at nearby Moorfield, Pydar Street and Edward Street car parks.
Disabled visitors with blue badges can park outside the front of the museum for up to 3 hours
Coach Parking
It is normally possible for coaches to stop immediately outside the museum.
Toilets
Toilets facilities are located on both floors of the museum.
There are baby changing facilities on the first floor and toilets for the disabled on both floors.
Getting to Us
Train: 0.5 miles from Truro Train Station
Bus: Truronian: Routes T1, T5 and T7 stop outside the museum.
Western Greyhound: Routes 597, 585, 586 and 587 stop outside the museum.
Car: Nearest car parks are Moorfield and Edward Street car parks.
Address:
Royal Cornwall Museum
River Street,
Truro, Cornwall,
TR1 2SJ