Opening hours

Mon - Sat: 10am - 4:45pm
Closed: Sundays and Bank Holidays

Free Entry

There may be a charge for special exhibitions. Please call to confirm.

The Royal Institution of Cornwall has been responsible for a museum since its inception. The diverse collections it has acquired over the years are held within the Courtney Library and Archive and the Royal Cornwall Museum. The majority of collections relate mainly to Cornwall, but there are others from the rest of the UK and abroad.

The Courtney Library and Archive holds books, periodicals, archive material and ephemera relating to Cornwall and the South West of England. In addition, there is an extensive photographic collection which records the history of Cornwall from 1845 to date.

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.

Archaeology Research in 2007-2008 (PDF)

Please note that all collections and object identification enquiries are currently suspended (with the exception of commercial photographic enquiries) until mid January 2010. This is to facilitate work in the galleries. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Please note that the Philbrick Fine Art Gallery will be closed from 3-24 October for a rehang and on the 14 November for the RIC AGM. The museum and library will be closed entirely throughout December for essential work in the galleries.