The Royal Institution of Cornwall was founded in Truro in 1818 as a “Learned Society” to promote excellence in science and art, and to forward the world-leading industries Cornwall was known for. Known originally as “The Cornwall Philosophical Institution”, its name was soon changed to “Cornwall Literary and Philosophical Institution” and, having been granted royal patronage, soon after became the “Royal Institution of Cornwall”.

One of the original intentions of the founders in 1818 was to establish a “V&A” in Cornwall so that Cornish people would have access to wider culture at a time when Cornwall was cut off from the rest of the country, free education did not exist and knowledge was accessible only to the fortunate few. 

Over the next ten years, the museum and library rented various establishments in Truro, all of which were too small and unsuitable for the growing collection. In 1828, a permanent home was found in Union Place, in the former house of John Vivian, father of Sir Richard Hussey Vivian. The museum remained housed in this building, which no longer exists, until 1908 when premises on River Street became available. This had previously been Henderson’s Mining School and before that, Truro Savings Bank. 

The RIC purchased the building in River Street in 1908. After much fundraising, numerous renovations, expansions and adjustments, and the interruption of the First World War, the building on River Street was ready in 1917 for the transfer of collections. The County Museum, as it was then known, was formally opened in 1919 by the Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII). At its opening, the museum consisted of the Main Gallery (now the Heart of Cornwall Gallery), the Mineral Gallery and one upstairs gallery. 

The east wing of the building was added from 1928 and was initially made possible when Alfred de Pass donated his collection of Old Master drawings, on the condition that a gallery be built to house them. A further generous donation from the RIC President John Langdon Bonython made possible the de Pass and Bonython (Nature) galleries. 

In 1984, the Royal Institution of Cornwall purchased the adjoining Baptist Chapel, and linked it to the main building, creating new gallery space, a cafe and a shop. 

At all stages of the organisation’s development, the contributions of grants, fundraising and generosity of many donors have made the museum possible. 

Royal Institution of Cornwall logo

1. To establish and share collections and archives that celebrate Cornwall and Cornish culture. 

1. To create a space at the heart of Cornwall society where ideas can be discussed and challenged. 

1. To be a place for sharing knowledge, learning, creativity and ambition. 

Today, the Royal Institution of Cornwall, through the Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery and Courtney Library continues to respond to this mission. To find out more about becoming a member of the Royal Institution of Cornwall, visit Membership.

You can view the museum’s Collection Development Policy here:

Collection Development Policy | Appendix A | Appendix B

The Journal of The Royal Institution of Cornwall is a well-respected academic publication available to all of our members. Published since 1864, it includes articles on a range of subjects including Cornish history, archaeology, and geology.

The Royal Institution of Cornwall Publications Committee is responsible for the annual production of the RIC Journal. The back catalogue of Journals can be accessed through the Courtney Library. 

(administered by the Publications Committee)

The Winston Graham Historical Prize
Launched in 2008 to celebrate works of historical fiction set in Cornwall or the wider South West it follows a generous donation in the legacy of Winston Graham. Winston Graham enjoyed visiting and writing in the museum during his working life. In 2023, the RIC relaunched the annual prize, taking it nationwide. It is open to authors in Cornwall and beyond, writing historical fiction with a sense of place, allowing entries from the widest and most diverse historical fiction authors that the UK and Ireland have to offer. Find out more.

Henwood Medal
Every three years, the Royal Institution of Cornwall presents a medal to an author who has contributed the most outstanding article to the Institution’s journal during the previous three years. This ceremony is a long-standing tradition, with the first Henwood Medal being awarded in 1890. 

Dr Jayne Wackett Memorial Fund
The Dr Jayne Wackett Memorial fund makes small grants to students and researchers investigating Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery’s collections or researching areas of Medieval, Early Modern history or Art History with a link to Cornwall or the Southwest. Applications for the 2027 Research Grant are now open, with a deadline of 31st January 2027. Please find more information, including how to apply, here.

Find out about the recipient of the 2026 Research Grant here.