The Royal Cornwall Museum (RCM) has been named Best Small Museum in the Family Friendly Museum Awards, run by the charity Kids In Museums.  

The awards scheme was launched in 2004 to recognise the venues that are most welcoming, fun and accessible for families, and to encourage others to follow their lead. It is the only museum award in the UK to be judged by families themselves.  

The family judges praised the RCM’s helpful staff and relaxed atmosphere. They felt visiting was good value for money, with children going free and adults’ tickets converting into an annual pass.

They also loved how the local area was being supported and represented, including that the museum was involved in Pride, displayed young people’s work and engaged with the problem of plastic pollution on beaches.  

One family judge said: “We loved the museum. The exhibitions were great and varied. We felt very comfortable, and the staff were really approachable and helpful. We did a hands-on activity about plastic use, and in discussion with the staff all found things that made us go ‘wow’.” 

Another said: “A highlight for my children was the hugely interactive nature section downstairs. The sensory and discovery rucksacks fascinated them, and they loved the Ancient Egyptian section including a mummy.” 

The Family Friendly Museum Award Ceremony was held at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, London, which won Best Large Museum in 2022.

The Royal Cornwall Museum (RCM) joined fellow nominees and winners, including The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge in Canterbury (Best Medium Museum), the Museum of Liverpool (Best Large Museum), Tullie in Carlisle (Best Youth Project – Climate) and the Craven Museum in Skipton Town Hall (Best Accessible Museum and Overall Winner).  

The award ceremony was attended by RCM artistic director, Bryony Robins and learning manager Kate Clayton, who have both worked hard to create a family-friendly programme and atmosphere in the museum.   

In July, the museum was awarded a £476,000 grant by Truro Town Deal to transform its mineral gallery and develop a state-of-the-art digital lab, enabling people all over Cornwall and the world to interact with the collection.