THE Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery in Truro has received a grant of £50,000 from The Garfield Weston Foundation towards the museum’s core running costs in the coming year.

The funding will contribute to the work of developing and delivering exhibitions, support the museum’s health and wellbeing programme, help care for historic artefacts, and provide more educational experiences for Cornwall schoolchildren.

Garfield Weston is a family founded grant-maker which gives money to support UK charities. It has awarded grants totalling nearly £1.7-billion since its establishment in 1958, and in the financial year 2024/25 gave away almost £130 million to 2,967 charities.

The museum is operated by a charity, the Royal Institution of Cornwall, and does not receive regular core funding. Public donations and grants such as this enable it to care for the region’s historical treasures, engage with diverse communities, and deliver memorable visitor experiences.

Last year, 50,554 people visited the museum last year compared with 28,500 in 2022. Museum co-director Jonathan Morton said: “The cost of operating the museum - a large historic building containing over one million objects – is substantial and increasing year on year. Public donations, new funding streams, grants and commercial partnerships – as well as admissions and membership revenue - are all absolutely essential to ensuring the museum thrives.”

Fellow co-director Bryony Robins added: “The Garfield Weston Foundation has recognised the positive trajectory we’re on and invested in our success, as we strive to become a world-class museum and art gallery which protects and celebrates Cornwall’s distinct heritage and culture.

“We have a really exciting programme of exhibitions and events lined up in the coming 12 months and beyond, bringing the very best art, exhibitions and heritage to the people of Cornwall and its visitors. The museum belongs to everyone, so come along and be part of its ongoing revitalisation.”