The Royal Cornwall Museum will reopen in March, with a new name and a spectacular new gallery showcasing an art collection of national significance.

The rebranded Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery, in Truro’s River Street, is part-way through a major transformation which began last year with the Mineral Gallery and will continue with improvements to the upper galleries into 2026/27. 

The 200-year-old institution will relaunch with a busy programme of art exhibitions including Biodiversity by St Just contemporary artist Kurt Jackson and Exploring Time: A Painter’s Perspective by St Austell artist and environmentalist Tony Foster. 

In addition, more than 500 artworks in the permanent collection, dating from the 1300s to the present day and encompassing Cornish, British and European art schools and movements, will be brought out of storage and displayed floor-to-ceiling on the walls or in cases on the balcony overlooking the central gallery.

Artistic director Bryony Robins added: “At times during our history, we have been known as an art gallery as well as a museum because of the notable collection of paintings, sculptures and drawings. When we took a step back and looked at our holdings and exhibitions, it was clear that we could and should be a museum and art gallery once again.

“The museum founders wanted to enable cultural experiences for all – something which remains a cornerstone of our mission today. With an updated name and a new look, we’re inviting a whole new generation to engage afresh with the incredible cultural riches of Cornwall.”

Julie Caplin-Grey, chair of the trustees, described the evolution of the museum and the resurrection of the art gallery as “a bold step into the future while respecting the past”.

An annual pass is available, while members and under 18s go free. Visit the new website at www.cornwallmuseum.org