8 January – The Museum will be closing at 3.30pm today due to severe storm & weather warnings.

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What’s On

A graphic poster that has the exhibition title SURF! in big,bold capital letters with an image of a woman holding a board under her arm while looking out to sea.

Friday 28 March 2025 – January 2027

SURF! is the next major exhibition from National Maritime Museum Cornwall, celebrating a century of surfing in Cornwall.

Surfing Memories

Saturday 28 June – January 2027

A community exhibition of photos and objects capturing the shared experiences of surfing holidays in Cornwall over the generations.

A painted seascape with wave breaking and seagulls flying above

How Painting Changed My Life

Friday 30 January – Sunday 19 April

A display of work by local artist Jane Southern, exploring the positive role art can play in mental health recovery.

Two children look through an underwater window in the Tidal Zone at National Maritime Museum Cornwall, the taller child holds a magnifying glass up to the window.

February Half Term - Ocean Lab

Saturday 14 – Sunday 22 February 2026

Hands up for hands-on science adventures! Curious minds of all ages are invited to Ocean Lab, our new week of science over February half term.

Surfer Sam Bleakley stands on a surfboard, riding a wave with one arm in the air, the other arm at his side.

Surfing, Sustainability & The Future of Waveriding in Cornwall – Lecture

Thursday 19 March, 7.30pm

In this Spring Lecture, SURF! exhibition guest curator Dr Sam Bleakley explores how surfing in Cornwall is a driving force for the blue economy.

A woman sits in a yoga pose, wearing lit-up headphones surrounded by surfboards in the SURF! Exhibition at National Maritime Museum Cornwall

Deep Blue Silent Disco Yoga

Friday 20 March, doors open at 6pm

Inspired by the SURF! exhibition, this one-of-a-kind experience invites you to connect deeply with the rhythms of nature through a flowing yoga practice led by Alicia Ray.

Gore Point Beach Alaska, 2013 A photographic artwork by Andy Hughes show plastic flotsam and jetsam stacked vertically on a stake of driftwood with a dramatic ocean landscape in the background.

Waves of Change: Surf Culture, Art, and Coastal Activism – Lecture

Thursday 2 April, 7.30pm

Artist Andy Hughes examines the powerful intersection of surf culture, contemporary art, and environmental activism in this Spring Lecture.

World War 2, the Fall of France, and Cornwall’s Covert Special Operations

Saturday 25 April, 10am – 5pm

In partnership with the University of Exeter and National Maritime Museum Cornwall, this one-day masterclass offers a behind-the-scenes opportunity to expand your knowledge of a pivotal moment in 20^th century history.

A group of people smiling at the camera stand around the back of a parked van, with surfboards on the roof-rack and the back doors painted with the words 'Surf Village Skewjack'.

Inside Skewjack Stories: Culture, Community & Change – Lecture

Thursday 14 May, 7.30pm

Skewjack Stories curator, Rachel Yates, takes us on a journey to the UKs first and only surf village in this Spring Lecture.

A photo of a man and a child taking part in Make and Take.

Minnows Makes

Once a month during term time

Get creative with your little one in Minnows Makes, craft sessions designed for under 5s. Join us to make something different each month using our most colourful and vibrant art supplies.

A photo of a lady reading a story to a group of adults and children.

Minnows Tales

Every Monday during term time

A weekly storytelling and lively sing-a-long session. Minnows Tales starts at 11am and is perfect for under 5s.

A man works on a wooden boat in a workshop.

Boatbuilding Workshop

If you’re visiting the Museum on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday you may spot our Boat Collection Manager & Volunteers working in the boatbuilding workshop on the latest reconstruction project.

A group of adult visitors are being shown a piece of fabric by a Museum volunteer, on a table next to them is a Viking helmet.

Talks & Object-Handling Sessions

During your visit you might find our visitor experience team delivering ten-minute talks or object-handling sessions around the Museum on various dates.

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Two actors on stage at Escape from Treasure Island at National Maritime Museum Cornwall.

What's On

Exhibitions, live performances, events and activities throughout the year.

Aerial photograph of the Museum, with Discovery Quay to the right and the harbour to the left.

Tickets

Pay once and get in free for a year.

The Flying Flotilla at National Maritime Museum Cornwall. Boats hang from the ceiling in the Boat Hall.

Explore our galleries

15 galleries, over five floors: exploring the influence of the sea on history and culture

Collections

Learning

What’s On

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