Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery, which reopened on 1st March after completing a major phase in its ongoing transformation, has been shortlisted for the 2025 Museums + Heritage Awards.

The shortlist, which includes entrants from all over the UK as well as museums, galleries, and cultural and heritage visitor attractions as far afield as Norway, Egypt and Australia, has been chosen by an independent panel of nine judges with vast experience in the museums and heritage sector.

Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery is one of six to be recognised in the category of Permanent Exhibition of the Year, which celebrates the creation or redevelopment of permanent displays.

The museum’s Co-Director, Bryony Robins, commented: 

“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.”

The shortlisting recognises the impact of the redevelopment of the Mineral Gallery, which was completed in the summer of 2024 and was the first step on the museum’s wider journey towards total transformation.

Home to a globally significant array of 12,000 minerals, the museum's collection charts 3,500 years of mining history, documenting the huge range of minerals found in Cornwall and how they have helped shaped the culture and identity of the region.

 Photo credits: John Hersey

The transformation of the mineral display was made possible thanks to part funding of £476,000 from Truro’s Town Deal Board and Cornwall Council.

Lauren Campbell, Engagement Manager at Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery, commented:

“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 space was redesigned in consultation with the museum’s visitors - including community groups for people with autism, dementia, sight loss and sensory needs - and made use of the expertise and creativity of architectural designers, Studio Wignall and Moore.

James Wignall of Studio Wignall and Moore commented: 

“This is the equivalent of the Oscars of the Museum world; 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.”

The museum’s Co-Director, Jonathan Morton, said: 

“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.”

Anna Preedy, Director of Museums + Heritage Awards commented: 

“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.” 

The ceremony to reveal the winners of the Museums + Heritage Awards will take place on May 15th, at Hilton Park Lane, London. To see the full list – please visit: https://awards.museumsandheritage.com/2025-shortlist/  

Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery opens seven days a week, 10 – 4pm. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or on the door and include all exhibitions. Entry is free for under 18s, and £10 for adults for an annual pass.

To find out more, visit the new website at www.cornwallmuseum.org

 Photo credits: John Hersey