There are over 70 heritage organisations in Cornwall making museums an important part of Cornwall’s cultural offer. Museums enrich the lives of local people and visitors alike. Our museums give us great opportunities to learn about our past and to inspire us in the future. Museums can connect us with our local area and community. There are lots of ways to enjoy museums by making a visit, the work they do with schools, becoming a volunteer.
We work closely with, and invest in, the Cornwall Museums Partnership (CMP). They are the strategic lead for the heritage sector in Cornwall. CMP encourages collaborative working within the museum sector. It provides a range of specialist support:
- support in fundraising and income generation
- a professional advisory service for museum staff and volunteers and
- a range of training and events
Delivery of the Cornwall Museums Strategy 2018-22 was led by CMP. The strategy set out a series of joint intentions for the sector to continue its long-term progress and success.
Cornwall’s Museum Development Officer (MDO) service is hosted by Cornwall Museums Partnership. The Museum Development Officer works with museums across Cornwall. They provide professional advice and guidance. This enables museums to achieve sustainable improvements. It also helps to maximise museum benefits to audiences and their communities.
Unlike many other local authorities, Cornwall Council doesn’t directly run any museums. We have a management agreement in place with The Museum of Cornish Life. We also invest in four heritage organisations through the Culture and Creative Investment Programme:
Royal Cornwall Museum looks after the Council's Schools Art Collection for us, more information can be found below.