The Museum will welcome visitors back from Saturday 15 February, in time for the February half term and a week of science-based activities called Science of the Sea.

Running from Saturday 15 February until Sunday 23 February, ‘Science of the Sea’ will feature explosive experiments suitable for children and their families. Visitors could find themselves propelled across the stage in a Rocket Car, see Mr Wright the Museum’s resident scientist tinker with liquid nitrogen, as well as answer questions such as how boats, ships and submarines  move. The February half term activities kick-off a whole year of school holiday events, adult lectures and brand-new exhibitions, including the opening of its latest major temporary exhibition, SURF!, which celebrates the last 100 years of waveriding in Cornwall.

During the six-week closure the Museum has replaced its entire roofing system, increased drainage and improved weatherproofing and insulation. Alongside these major structural repairs, the Museum has also carried out a number of other works to replace and repair high- level windows, upgrade gallery spaces and improve access.

When the Museum reopens on Saturday 15 February, some external works will continue. The Museum team expect these to be completed by the end of March 2025.

Richard Doughty, Director of National Maritime Museum Cornwall, said:

‘Closing our doors for six-weeks was not a decision we took lightly. However, it has enabled us to safely deliver a vast programme of work both inside and outside the Museum. The raft of improvements we’ve made will put an end to rainwater leaking into the building, the Cornwall Galleries will be easier to find, and we’ve updated the stories we tell about Cornwall and the sea, with new objects going on display. The hugely popular Boat Pool, where visitors can sail remote-control boats, has been reengineered and access has been improved for the enjoyment of everyone. Some changes won’t be obvious, but the work undertaken culminates in an improved environment for all our visitors, staff, volunteers and collections.

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all our visitors for bearing with us whilst we completed these important upgrades. We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome our visitors back to the Museum’.

  Find out more about the National Maritime Museum Cornwall here