National Maritime Museum Cornwall

A place to enrich our understanding of the sea, and Cornwall
Through the exhibitions programme the museum aspires to bring new and diverse perspectives to maritime issues, and highlight their relevance to the present day. They also bring rare objects from around the world to Cornwall to tell local, national and international stories.

Your admission fee is reinvested back into the museum to enhance and grow its work, which also includes family learning activities; award winning education programmes; boat building and conservation; and work to preserve and promote Cornwall’s maritime heritage.

There are 15 galleries, over five floors, exploring the influence of the sea on history and culture.

Built in 2002, this modern building has been designed with access in mind. There are five levels in the Museum, all of which are accessible by lift or ramp. All staff have been provided with deaf and disability and autism awareness training. You should allow at least 1.5 – 3 hours for your visit.

The Main Hall
Your voyage of discovery begins in the Main Hall. Here you can orientate yourself in the building, admiring the hanging flotilla of small boats on display over your head.

RNLI Rescue Zone
Beyond, in the RNLI Rescue Zone there are ride-on rescue vehicles, a dressing-up area and information about sea safety where we celebrate the outstanding work of the RNLI.

Boat Building Workshop – a living exhibit
At the far end of the Main Hall you can see shipwrights at work restoring and building boats in the museum’s Boat Building Workshop. The ambition is to become a respected centre for restoration, conservation and repair of historical vessels. The workshop’s core responsibility is the maintenance and care of the nation’s small boat collection, but alongside that the museum is developing a reputation for keeping traditional boat building skills alive.

The Hold – our major temporary exhibition space
The Hold is the largest single exhibition space where you can find respected and renowned major exhibitions.

Current exhibit to 2022, Monsters of the Deep

Tidal Zone
In the Tidal Zone you can go underwater and look out into the harbour through two large windows – if you stand there long enough you’ll see the tide rise and fall.

The Lookout
Climb to the top of the tower for breath-taking views over the harbour, docks and estuary. Find out about historic buildings, local landmarks, coastal features, and special events and vessels in the harbour.

There are a good-quality café and gift shop in the museum, which are fully accessible to wheelchairs.