Christmas at Cornwall’s Museums

‘Tis the season to be jolly … ‘tis also the season to find things to entertain friends and family.

Come in from the cold and find wonderful, exciting and interesting things to see and do around Cornwall. Cornwall’s museums are packed with all sorts of things for enquiring minds – young and old.   Seeing, doing, making, visiting and watching. There are around 70 museums of all shapes and sizes in Cornwall …here’s what’s going on at 6 of them this Crimbo.

Everyone loves a reindeer – perfect to get you in the mood for the big season! Throughout December head to Wheal Martyn Museum and Country Park to  set off on a reindeer trail. Enjoy wandering through the beautiful Victorian clay works and grounds whilst keeping your eyes peeled for the hidden reindeer.   Wheal Martyn’s cafe and gift shops are both ready and waiting for you after your trip with a seasonal selection of gorgeous food, drink and presents. All the details here www.wheal-martyn.com 

Christmas has got a Nordic feel to it over at National Maritime Museum Cornwall. There are activities aplenty including A Viking Winterfest with a chance to Meet Old Man Winter (12 & 13 Dec) and Nordic Noel (19 Dec to 3 Jan) where you can make your very own Viking Yule Goat and other festive fare. There’s heaps more going on check out their website for all the details  www.nmmc.co.uk

Head over to Royal Cornwall Museum in Truro for some festive fun. As well as being packed with exhibitions this winter, the museum has some lovely Christmas moments for the whole family to enjoy including Christmas Craft and Decoration-Making on Saturday 12th. Exhibitions include Paula Downing’s Edge, a ceramics exhibition, which is running until 23rd January and Poldark’s Cornwall which is running until 30th April.   Oh – and there’s Christmas Carols on 12th December from 12 to 12.30pm and 1 to 1.30pm with Truro Male Voice Choir … perfect to get you in the mood. For more information check out www.royalcornwallmuseum.org.uk

Falmouth Art Gallery’s exhibition Serpentine – Artists of The Lizard runs until Saturday 30th January. This lovely exhibition shines a spotlight on The Lizard as an artistic hub by showcasing historic and contemporary artworks produced by artists that have lived and worked in the area. Find out all about that, and more, at www.falmouthartgallery.com

One of Cornwall’s best kept secrets, Telegraph Museum Porthcurno offers a surprising and inspiring visit time and time again.  This winter visit and take part in its ‘Wartime Winter’ activities. No matter what your age, the museum offers hours of endless fun. Find out more about what’s on this winter at www.porthcurno.org

Penlee House Gallery & Museum have some lovely drop-in events and activities on Saturdays between 2.30pm and 3.30pm. This December have a go at Crafty Christmas Cards (12th Dec) and Delightful Decorations (19th Dec). There’s also an annual selling exhibition of work by Cornwall Crafts until 9th Jan. Find out more at www.penleehouse.org.uk 

Charges may apply. Information correct at time of sending. Please check with organisations before setting out.

This information  is part of a package of partnership projects being delivered by the Cornwall Museums Partnership.

Find out more about the partner museums at www.museumsincornwall.org.uk

Thanks to Arts Council England and Cornwall Council