Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery is in the running for a Museums Change Lives Award 2025, which celebrates museums making a difference in their communities through creativity, inclusion, and wellbeing.
The awards, run by the Museums Association, recognise museums that go beyond traditional displays to support and engage the people around them.
Bryony Robins, co-director of Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery, said: “We believe that museums have a vital role to play in community life.
“Here in Truro, we run a busy programme of activities – from Toddler Time for Under 5s, to creative sessions supporting people managing pain or at risk of isolation, a dementia group and young people’s programmes.
“We want the museum to be a welcoming space for all, and our team are passionate about creating a programme that make a real difference for the people of Cornwall.”
The museum was shortlisted for its Early Bird Explorers Club, which is delivered in partnership with Healthy Cornwall, part of Cornwall Council’s Public Health and Wellbeing Service.
The free sessions offer families a healthy meal, a fun activity, and time to explore the museum’s galleries and exhibitions.
The club is designed for families on low incomes and provides nutritional support during school holidays when parents and carers can face extra pressures and financial challenges.
It aims to reduce barriers to cultural experiences while offering a safe and welcoming environment for families.
By giving families the chance to connect, learn, and create memories together, the programme also helps build confidence and friendships.
The Museums Change Lives Awards 2025 will be announced on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at St Fagans National Museum of History in Cardiff, as part of the Museums Association’s annual conference.
Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery’s shortlisting places it among the most innovative and impactful museums in the country.