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.
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.
We appologise for any inconvenience that this may cause.
The Courtney Library

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
- Our extensive reference collections are always available on site
If you wish to use the library we strongly recommend that you call to discuss your requirements with the Librarian and book a time to visit. Many of our archives are not on public display and have to be retrieved from store before opening, or after closing. If you ring ahead to book an appointment the Librarian can ensure the appropriate archives are available to you when you arrive.
Opening Hours
Monday - Wednesday & Friday: 10am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm
Saturday: 10am - 1pm
Thursday & Sunday: Closed.
To book use of the library please call the Librarian on: 01872 242786
or E-mail: (research/information)
