This summer, Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery in Truro is the place to be, with fun exhibitions and loads of extra activities to enjoy.
Under 18s are free, and adult entry is just £10 for an Annual Pass, so there’s plenty of reasons to keep coming back!
Whether you’re visiting Cornwall or live locally, why not discover a new favourite place to play and explore this summer? Here’s what’s on…
I Grew Up 80s Exhibition
Remember mobile phones as big as house bricks? Or taping the Top 40 off the radio? If so you experienced the 1980s, but for the kids of today it feels like a parallel universe.
Our summer exhibition aims to blow the minds of Gen Alpha by taking them back to the neon decade when there was no internet, no live streaming, and only four TV channels!
For those who were there, it’s a nostalgia-fest from start to finish, as we revisit a golden age of music, films and fashion.
Get ready to hear “I remember that!” and “I had one of those!” as ten remarkable years come back into focus – an era when no one had to worry about their leg warmers or shell suits appearing on social media, and mullets and perms were reserved for the family photo album.
Summer Passport
The museum hosts free family activities all summer long, helping you get closer to our exhibitions and giving you something to take away after your visit.
This summer in celebration of I Grew Up 80s, pick up a time-travelling passport and discover how kids got their kicks in the 80s. Craft a 3D yuppie phone, print cool headbands, make a Lego protest board and lots more!
For each activity completed we’ll give you a stamp as a record of your visit. Get four or more stamps before the end of the summer holiday and receive a special prize.
There’s also 80s-themed colouring in, classic board games, and dressing up to enjoy. It’s going to be totally rad!
Toddler Time
Every Wednesday at 10am we welcome the Under 5s and their grown-ups in the Nature Gallery for storytelling and a simple activity in this immersive space.
Surrounded by the sights and sounds of Cornish nature, you and your little ones are free to explore, play with toys, look at nature-themed books and dress up in these relaxed sessions. Free to join with an Annual Pass, reserve your spaces here.
Truro’s ‘Great Little Kids Club’
Truro’s Great Little Kids Club is back by popular demand. A fantastic range of activities will take place every weekday afternoon between Monday 28th July and Friday 29th August, 2pm – 3pm.
The club usually meets in Victoria Gardens at the Bandstand, but on Tuesdays it’s popping up right here at the museum. Join us in the Learning Room, where families can enjoy activities inspired by the I Grew Up 80s exhibition.
Kids Club is entirely free and no entry to the museum is required, though everyone attending is welcome to enjoy a visit to the museum and gallery too as part of their day out (adults will need to purchase an Annual Pass at the Welcome Desk if they don’t have one already).
Free Kids Club activity packs can be collected at Truro Community Library and Truro Visitor Information Centre, Boscawen Street.
Pop-Up Events
Some of our friends from the neighbourhood are popping round this summer to keep things lively!
On 7th August, join the Tech Explorers for a deep dive into Raspberry Pi with this physical computing workshop across two mornings. Perfect for curious minds aged 10-14.
Cornwall Wildlife Trust are popping up in the Nature Gallery on Fridays 1st and 29th August. Come and find out more about the work of the Trust in protecting Cornwall’s natural riches.
Early Bird Explorers Club
Early Birds is our free breakfast club and museum visit for local families of any age during school holidays. It’s a great chance to visit the museum before the crowds arrive. Delivered in partnership with Healthy Cornwall who support with healthy eating advice for families.
This club is suitable for families with low income (no proof of income required). Booking is free but essential – reserve spaces here.
We look forward to seeing you this summer!