Visit National Maritime Museum Cornwall for an exciting season of exploration, adventure and fun. Including the National Small Boat Collection, a boatbuilding workshop, 100-foot Look Out Tower, underwater Tidal Zone and so much more, there’s plenty to explore at this family friendly museum in Falmouth!

EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS FOR 2024

PIRATES

Dashing, daring and adventurous or bloodthirsty, immoral and greedy – were pirates of the 18th century heroes of the age or no more than callous cut-throats?
For generations, pirates have been portrayed in film, fiction and fashion as symbols of freedom and adventure. But how and why has this image been created? To find out, immerse yourself in the digital world of the Sea of Thieves game, land on Treasure Island, meet the man behind Long John Silver and dance a hornpipe with Horatio Pugwash before discovering the dark world of the real pirates of the Caribbean.
In this latest major exhibition, explore how popular culture has shaped how we think of pirates today and dive beneath the surface to unearth the harsh and terrifying truth.

KURT JACKSON: RNLI CORNWALL

Opens Friday 15 March

RNLI Cornwall documents the important role of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in Cornwall and celebrates their vital work within the coastal community. Jackson’s RNLI Cornwall paintings vary in scale from postcard sized pieces up to massive canvasses measured in metres.

THE CORNISH CARETAKERS AND THE CHEST OF CORNISHNESS

Easter holidays

Join the Cornish Caretakers for a hilarious and informative show as they bring to life six Cornish men and women from history who changed the world. We also have Cornwall-themed Make & Take workshops and a Museum trail exploring the stories of the county’s heroes.

ROCK POOL EXPLORERS

May half term

This May half term, dive with us into The Rock Pool Project’s mobile rock pool and discover the curious creatures found on our Cornish coast, get creative in Make & Take and join the Museum trail to help us find all the hidden rock pool creatures.

SILHOUETTES & SHADOWS

October half term

The nights are drawing in and the shadows are taking over. Come and join us for a spooky half term this October! Join in with the eerie shadow puppet stories and songs in the Main Hall, get creative in spooky Make & Take, and join the Museum trail!