Royal Cornwall Museum

The Royal Cornwall Museum is an art and local history museum in Truro displaying collections across multiple gallery spaces housed in a Grade II listed building. The galleries feature mineral specimens, archaeological finds, paintings, and objects spanning different periods of the region's past.

The museum was established in 1818 as a cultural institution and later moved into a former savings bank building from 1845 and an adjacent chapel built in 1848. These historic structures were combined to house the expanding collections.

The collections reflect how people in Cornwall have lived and worked across different periods, visible through displayed objects and artifacts. They show local trades, customs, and daily life throughout the region's history.

The museum is located centrally in Truro and is easily accessible on foot with clear signage leading to the main entrance. Visitors should note that the galleries are spread across multiple floors and some stairs are required to move between levels.

The collection preserves a coach from 1700 that visitors can see, showing how people traveled in earlier times. The museum also displays the remains of an ancient Egyptian temple priest from the 6th century BC, giving it an unexpected international dimension.

Location: Cornwall

Inception: 1818

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Address: River Street, Truro TR1 2SJ

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-16:00

Phone: +441872272205

Email: enquiries@royalcornwallmuseum.org.uk

Website: http://royalcornwallmuseum.org.uk

GPS coordinates: 50.26370,-5.05480

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:05