Museums bring people together through objects and stories. The collections in our museums tell the many stories of Cornwall’s landscape, heritage and culture. There are over 80 museums, galleries and heritage centres in Cornwall.
Establishing a new museum
If you are an individual or group planning to set up a new museum, start by reading the Association for Independent Museums' Success Guide.
Then contact the Museums Development Officer for further support and guidance: cultureteam@cornwall.gov.uk
Visiting museums
You’re never more than a few miles from a museum in Cornwall. Search your local area online and you should find their information.
- Visit Cornwall has information on some of the museums and heritage sites
- Cornwall365 lists exhibitions, activities and events in museums.
Check opening times online in advance. Many of Cornwall Museums are volunteer-run and may need to change their times at short notice.
Donate something to a museum
All museums have different policies that set out what they will and won’t collect. They will only accept donations that fit with their collecting policy.
Try to find a museum with a connection to your object. This could be the place it was made, the place it was used, the type of object it is or a connection to a particular person.
Approach the museum directly by phone or email. They will tell you if they can accept your object. Please do not take objects directly to the museum, post them or leave them outside. If you plan to leave something to a museum in your will, please discuss this with the museum first.
If a museum wants to accept your donation, they will ask you for as much information as possible about the object. They will also ask you to sign a document that transfers ownership to the museum.
Museums may ask you if the object can be part of their handling collections. This means it can be used for learning and engagement activities.
Sometimes you may wish to lend an object to a museum. You will be asked to sign a loan agreement.
If a museum cannot take your donation, they will explain why.
If you cannot find a suitable museum for your object, please contact the Museum Development Officer on cultureteam@cornwall.gov.uk.
Researching museum collections
Museum will be delighted that you are interested in their collections. Check their websites for online collections information and contact details.
Please be patient. Many museums deal with lots of research enquires and may not be able to respond immediately.