Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery’s Transformation Gains National Recognition

Will Cornwall’s Museum Take Home the Prize? Prestigious Award Beckons

Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery has been shortlisted for the 2025 Museums + Heritage Awards, following a major phase in its transformation. Having reopened on 1st March, the museum is now in the running for Permanent Exhibition of the Year, competing against cultural institutions from across the UK, as well as international venues in Norway, Egypt, and Australia.

Recognition for the Mineral Gallery

The shortlisting acknowledges the redevelopment of the Mineral Gallery, completed in the summer of 2024. The exhibition showcases Cornwall’s rich mining history through a collection of 12,000 minerals, spanning 3,500 years of geological and cultural heritage.

Bryony Robins, Co-Director of the museum, expressed the excitement surrounding the nomination:

“The whole team is thrilled to have received recognition with a shortlisting for these respected awards, which celebrate the very best in the world of museums, galleries, and cultural and heritage visitor attractions. There’s a real buzz around the museum right now, as we build on the momentum from our recent reopening and now this fantastic news.”

A Redesign for Accessibility

The £476,000 redevelopment, part-funded by Truro’s Town Deal Board and Cornwall Council, aimed to make the gallery more accessible and engaging. Visitors were consulted throughout the process, including community groups for people with autism, dementia, sight loss, and sensory needs.

Lauren Campbell, the museum’s Engagement Manager, outlined the vision behind the redesign:

“Our objectives were to make geology relevant to broader audiences, create an engaging space which is accessible to all, and to introduce immersive elements without losing a sense of the historical importance of the collection.”

The transformation was designed in collaboration with Studio Wignall and Moore, whose work has been praised by industry experts. James Wignall of the studio likened the awards to the Oscars of the museum world, saying:

“We are elated that the importance of the project and the world-class collection the Mineral Gallery holds has been acknowledged by experts in the heritage sector.”

Momentum for the Museum’s Future

Jonathan Morton, Co-Director of the museum, noted that the Mineral Gallery redevelopment was just the beginning:

“The bold and creative reimagining of the Mineral Gallery really set the tone for the ongoing transformation of the whole museum. The latest phase has just been completed working with the same design team, and the new-look Nature, Art, and Heart of Cornwall Galleries have been well received since we reopened on 1st March.”

The Museums + Heritage Awards ceremony will take place on 15th May at Hilton Park Lane, London, where the winners will be revealed.

Anna Preedy, Director of the awards, highlighted the significance of this year’s nominations:

“This year’s shortlist truly reflects the breadth and depth of the cultural sector and its determination to deliver first-class visitor experiences for all. We have organisations of all shapes and sizes represented from all corners of the globe. It’s heartening to see so much excellent, inclusive work being celebrated. Bravo to everyone driving change and creating welcoming spaces for all.”

How to Visit Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery

The museum is open seven days a week, from 10am – 4pm. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door, with free entry for under-18s and £10 for adults, granting access for an entire year.

To see the full list of shortlisted venues, visit Museums + Heritage Awards 2025 Shortlist.