THE next phase in the transformation of Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery has moved forward with the announcement of almost half a million pounds of support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The £440,000 boost will facilitate the final, most ambitious phase of the project, developing plans ahead of submitting a full funding application for a National Lottery grant in 2027.

The museum building on Truro’s River Street was originally two separate premises: Henderson’s Mining School and Truro Baptist Church. Museum bosses aim to create a smoother visitor experience through the two buildings.

Work so far has included the re-development of the Mineral Gallery, housing one of the world’s most significant collections, and floor-to-ceiling salon hangs of nationally important artworks on the upper balconies.

Visitor numbers have more than doubled from 20,000 in 2019 to 42,000 in 2024/25, making an estimated annual contribution of £1.2-million to Cornwall’s economy.

Museum co-director Jonathan Morton said: “Our ambition is to create a visitor experience fit for a new generation, ensuring Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery remains home to the objects, artefacts and history that tell the story of Cornwall, and a public asset that belongs to everyone.”