Latest news from The National Maritime Museum Cornwall

For hundreds of years, flags have been used to allow the crew of one ship to ‘speak’ with another. Discover the meaning behind some of the most common flags.

Discover the many reasons to become a volunteer at the Museum and how you can play a part in celebrating and preserving Cornwall’s maritime heritage.

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Tony Pawlyn, founder of the Museum, volunteer, researcher, and dear friend.

Discover the part played by Falmouth, the Fal, and the Helford when 150,000 troops and over 5,000 vessels took part in the largest amphibious invasion in history.

Uncover the story of marine painter and illustrator Charles Pears. Pears moved to Cornwall in later life with his wife Dulce, who shared his passion for sailing. 

Our Autumn Lecture Series begins on Thursday 19 September with Dr Elaine Murphy’s talk Women and the Navy in the Age of Sail. We recently caught up with Dr Murphy to find out more about what to expect from this year’s talk.

Our new Lecture Series focuses on women and the sea. From women in the Royal Navy to Mary Bryant and characters from across Cornwall’s coastline.

2023 is a big year for National Maritime Museum Cornwall. It’s our 20th birthday and so we’re creating a brand new exhibition that takes a look at the highs and lows of our 20 year history.

14, 15, 21 & 22 December.

It’s Christmas Eve in Cornwall and two little girls and their Gran are excitedly preparing for the big day. But where’s Dad? As night falls, their fisherman father is caught in a storm far out at sea. Will he make it home for Christmas?