THE next phase in the major transformation of Cornwall’s flagship museum moved forward this week as Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery announced £440,000 of initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Made possible thanks to National Lottery players, the project will enable the museum in the centre of Truro to develop the plans for the final phase in the museum’s extensive transformation and move towards submitting a full funding application for a National Lottery grant in 2027.

Museum Co-Director Jonathan Morton commented: “We’re incredibly proud of the transformation to the museum so far and it stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved through collaboration, creativity and community leadership.

“Our ambition is to complete the full transformation of the museum to create a visitor experience fit for a new generation, and ensure Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery remains a public asset that belongs to everyone, and home to the objects, artefacts and history that tell the story of Cornwall.

Co-director, Bryony Robins added: “Cornwall deserves a world class museum and art gallery to highlight and protect its distinct heritage and culture. We’re extremely grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for this support that will allow us to scope and define exactly what the next phase looks like.

“The museum will be a space that celebrates creativity, inspires participation and brings the very best art, exhibitions and heritage to the people of Cornwall and its visitors.”

Stuart McLeod, Director of London and South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We’re delighted to offer our initial support to Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery as it takes this exciting next step in its transformation. Heritage has the power to inspire and connect us – it tells the stories of people and places and safeguards them for future generations. This project will lay the foundations for a world-class museum that celebrates Cornwall’s unique culture and heritage, ensuring it remains a space for everyone to enjoy for years to come. We look forward to working with the team to progress their plans to apply for a full grant at a later date.”

Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery is home to over one million artefacts. The museum has been in the process of transforming its visitor experience, galleries and securing the collection from leaks since January 2024. Works so far have included the re-development of the Mineral Gallery, which houses one of the most significant mineral collections in the world, the Nature Gallery and Heart of Cornwall Gallery. Developments to the upper balconies of the museum have also seen an Art Gallery reinstated in the space, with floor to ceiling salon hangs of nationally important art works.

The museum has seen visitor numbers more than double from 20,000 in 2019 to 42,000 in 2024/25 and the Museum Development South West 2025 report estimates it makes an annual contribution of £1.2m to Cornwall’s economy.

The National Lottery Heritage Funding announcement lays the ground for the final and most ambitious phase of the transformation project. The museum’s building on River Street in Truro was originally two separate buildings, Henderson’s Mining School and the neighbouring Truro Baptist Church. This phase of the transformation will look to create a smoother visitor experience through the two buildings, encompassing the upper galleries, improved educational and community facilities and retail and hospitality.

A full funding application is expected to be submitted for the developed plans in 2026, with the museum also requiring a public fundraising campaign to achieve £1.3m in match funding.