Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery in Truro has announced its

Programme of summer activities for families, and it includes some surprise guests. 

The six-week long extravaganza, which kicks off on 24th July and runs until 2nd September, includes everything from magical animal encounters to wicked word games, creative crafts to brain-teasing trails, not to mention storytelling, dressing-up and more.  

The activities are themed around the exhibition Cornish Myths & Legends, which explores tales such as King Arthur and The Mermaid of Zennor, and introduces a cast of characters including giants, piskies, fairies and sea serpents.  

In honour of the mythical theme, a giant toadstool will pop up in the museum’s main gallery, greeting visitors and providing the setting for ‘Tales under the Toadstool’ each week.  

And, on three special dates during the summer, museumgoers will be bewitched by the owls of Screech Owl Sanctuary, as they visit with their experienced handlers to explore the exhibition and inspire the sketches of budding artists. 

The museum’s popular ‘Summer Passport’ format makes a welcome return; travellers to the land of Cornish myth and legend collect stamps for each visit, earning a reward and entry to the summer prize draw.  

Kids go entirely free at this award-winning regional museum while adult Annual Passes are just £10, making those return visits all the more appealing. 

Tara Calder, Learning Manager at Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery, said: “With special guests and fairy tale quests, why not enjoy our lovely cool galleries on repeat this summer? There’ll be a sense of magic in the air, as we celebrate Cornwall’s wondrous folk tales - where they came from and why they still captivate us today.” 

Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery has also partnered with Visit Truro and Truro City Council to deliver Our Great Little Kids Club which offers free weekday activities for primary school-aged children; sessions will take place at the museum every Tuesday and on rainy days throughout the holidays. 

Find out more at: www.cornwallmuseum.org/whats-on