National Maritime Museum Cornwall
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National Maritime Museum Cornwall
Legends, folklore and modern day science present Monsters of the Deep - you decide what lies beneath. Memories of Falmouth - The Weller CollectionMemories of Falmouth is a brand new exhibition of photography and film taken of Falmouth between 1934 - 1969, providing a fascinating insight into the town during this time.

Through our exhibitions programme we aspire to bring new and diverse perspectives to maritime issues, and highlight their relevance to the present day. We also bring rare objects from around the world to Cornwall to tell local, national and international stories.
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Deep in the dark murky depths of the ocean bioluminescence dances and shadowy figures loom. Something's there, but what? Memories of Falmouth is a brand new exhibition of photography and film taken of Falmouth between 1934 - 1969, providing a fascinating insight into the town during this time.

Tattoo: British Tattoo Art Revealed opened at the Museum to huge acclaim in 2017 and after touring nationally we are delighted to bring back some of the key artworks from the exhibition.Dress as ghosts and ghouls and join us this Halloween for a torch-tour of the Museum with plenty of tricks and treats along the way.
15 galleries, over five floors: exploring the influence of the sea on history and culture. Falmouth, on the South Cornwall coast, is a fitting setting for this journey of discovery to begin. The museum is located on aptly named Discovery Quay, and is a vast, iconic building, home to exciting exhibitions and a wide range of galleries taking visitors on a journey through the influence of the sea on history and culture.
You may not be aware but we're an independent museum and registered charity and your entry fee supports the work of the Museum including our education programmes. On paying the entrance fee you will receive an Annual Pass which allows you to return as many times as you wish for the following 12 months.
The Bartlett Library holds various collections and records maintained by the Library volunteers and the Bartlett Blog this month is one of a number of articles in our archives about visitors to Falmouth.

Lord Clinton and Sir William Freemantle, Gentlemen of the Bedchamber, were sent from London to receive her on behalf of King George IV and the local authorities were instructed to provide the nine-year-old Queen, Dona Maria and her entourage with all the appropriate civic and military honours.Her landing was a very pretty sight and the day most beautiful.'
The Bartlett Library holds various collections and records maintained by the Library volunteers and the Bartlett Blog this month is one of a number of articles in our archives about visitors to Falmouth. Over 80 years ago Operation Aerial, co-ordinated by the Royal Navy, evacuated allied troops and civilians by sea from the ports of western France.
Reviews (24)
Karen Reeks
Karen Reeks
Jan 17, 2022
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Had a great time at the museum today. All the staff were friendly and stopped to talk to us as we walked around. loved monsters of the deep and the tattoo arms. everything is nicely laid out and easy to look at. can't wait to visit again
Mischa Van Kesteren
Mischa Van Kesteren
Jan 13, 2022
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Nice variety of exhibits, excellent cafe with great views over the town. The entry price is a little steep if you only visit once but as the ticket gets you 12 months access it fast becomes worth it.
Janine Hartnett
Janine Hartnett
Jan 06, 2022
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We really enjoyed visiting the museum. The displays were interesting and well laid out. Lots of fascinating and historical information and artifacts. The tattoo exhibition and monsters of the deep were particularly interesting. Well worth a visit 😁
Tracey Dockree
Tracey Dockree
Nov 12, 2021
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We love the Maritime Museum. Visited the Monsters of the Deep Exhibition and followed the fascinating trail of mythical monsters and how they came to be so popular. Fascinating collection of real monsters of the deep too.
Richard Bennet
Richard Bennet
Oct 23, 2021
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Great layout, just the right level of information with very interesting exhibits.
Karen Biddiscombe
Karen Biddiscombe
Sep 30, 2021
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Loved the imaginative display of deep sea creatures and the whole sea monsters aspect. Enjoyed the lower tiers, high tide/low tide from beneath the water level and the lookout at the very top, despite the horrible weather obscuring the best of the view! I really like how all interests are catered for in this museum - historically, environmentally, geographically, exploratory, the unusual, the occupational. Everything is considered - very relatable things such as cinema and myths and legends.
Shelby Evans
Shelby Evans
Sep 16, 2021
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First time visiting Maritime and I was blown away. The museum is beautifully presented with many things to see and alot to learn. You will not be disappointed visiting this beauty. The staff were very kind and helpful too. ❤
Linda Thomas
Linda Thomas
Sep 10, 2021
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A wonderful building in a great location. All the exhibits and interactive displays were clever and educational. We had a wonderful few hours and finished off with a hot chocolate and an amazing view of the harbour
Amanda Mirielle
Amanda Mirielle
Sep 04, 2021
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Had a lovely afternoon with my parents and grandchildren, so much of interest for all generations. Was extremely impressed with the accessibility, as both my parents need to use mobility scooters. They were able to access the entire museum and not miss out on any of the experience with their great grandchildren.
Emma Williamson
Emma Williamson
Aug 20, 2021
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Absolutely fab place! Spent several hours exploring... lots for the whole family and a magical mesmerising live show in the main hall. can't recommend enough!
Sandy Barclay
Sandy Barclay
Jul 22, 2021
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What a museum! Wonderfully presented and full of interesting items and stories. Loved the temporary 'monsters of the deep' exhibition and the tales behind them. Once I get my head around the steering had a… great time at the boat pool too. My kids really enjoyed their visit and it kept them engaged throughout our visit too which is no mean feat!
Daniel Nieroda
Daniel Nieroda
Jul 10, 2021
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Great place to visit, loved the Tidal Zones watching the fish in the river. Good exhibits and one ticket gets you in all year!
Sameera Abas
Sameera Abas
Jun 10, 2021
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Amazing place! Went here for a rainy day and had a look round....some amazing exhibits and really interesting display of the relationship between Cornwall and the sea. Go up to the tower gallery to get a great panoramic view of Falmouth Marina!
Danae Vazoura Anp Rn
Danae Vazoura Anp Rn
Aug 07, 2020
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We went there on my birthday, the museum was not as busy as it used to due to covid ,which is sad we were the only people there ,I enjoyed it so much though ,the boat display was nice,the supernatural section was so cool , the staff are so helpful and polite . I definitely recommend it!.
George Davies
George Davies
Dec 03, 2019
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Decent place with attentive staff and a range of interesting displays. However, the entry price was very steep for what it was and for people visiting from a distance - since there's a low chance of coming back within the same year. Other than that, most interesting thing to do in the Town because the streets haven't got too many shops. Also very fascinating Titanic exhibition which is luckily free of charge.
Paul Straw
Paul Straw
Nov 20, 2019
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A great place to visit if your into maritime history.
There's a good selection of craft suspended from the roof which while wondering round can be viewed from most angles.
Good access for the less abled visitors(with lifts & ramps).
On the day we visited, there was also a Titanic exhibition & a workshop building a Cornish Pilot Gig.
Hesseh S.
Hesseh S.
Jun 28, 2016
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Where can you get in for jousting popping a few coins in a bucket . Located on the harbour side in the old lifeboat station the place is filled with big Aquarians fill of the local fish you would see if you went a swimming . Actually given EU fishery quotas they are probably safer here !!!!
Qype User Cscogg
Qype User Cscogg
Aug 10, 2010
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Fantastic museum - great for kids and adults. Excellent rainy day option in Falmouth, but worth a visit any time. Kids love climbing over the offshore lifeboat and life raft, and kids and adults the model sailing boats. New lighthouse exhibition was very interesting as well.
Qype User Wileyc
Qype User Wileyc
Sep 28, 2009
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The National Maritime Museum in Falmouth is the little brother of the museum in Greenwich. Situated in the centre of Falmouth on the quay, across the opposite the cruise berth, in a new development of shops and restaurants. There is no parking at the centre, although the shopping centre has a small car park but is fairly expensive. Falmouth has a park and ride and park and float just outside the town centre.


The museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Admission costs £8.75 for adults and £6 for children. If you Park and Float you get 10% discount on your entry. Also if you gift aid your admission
Qype User Fred T.
Qype User Fred T.
May 20, 2009
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The museum is naturally interesting and something fun for the family when it rains (which it does of course in Cornwall).


The location is fun_ high up with a view out over Falmouth Harbour.


Food = good
Staff = friendly
Value = fine


Wonderful for the family
Qype User Bunnyk
Qype User Bunnyk
May 17, 2009
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We visited here using Tesco vouchers so didn't pay to get in. I'm not sure we'd have bothered if we had to pay as it seemed a bit expensive.


The museum is an interesting trip through the history of maritime activities in the UK but particularly focused on the local history. There was a special exhibition on the Titanic whilst we were there which was interesting but nothing groundbreaking. The best bit has to be the tidal view section where you can stand 'under water' and watch the tide come in.
Qype User Arie
Qype User Arie
Nov 18, 2008
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There was a big exhibition of ships, with videos and audio about them. We went for a couple of hours, and it was brilliant. There were displays about Kon-Tiki, Lifeboats, Lifeguards and safety etc. The children were most interested by the hands on displays, and the life rafts. There were challenges, and a small boat racing pool. The shop was great too, especially for gifts. The entry fee was an unlimited ticket for a year, well worth the money, although not very convinient for holidaymakers.
Qype User Christ
Qype User Christ
Nov 15, 2008
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Again, as the reviewer said below, I can't commend this place enough to visit. Being local I've visited a few times since it opened about 10 years ago, and they're constantly adding fab new exhibitions and presentations nearly everytime we go. Staff seem really informative, polite and always ready to be able to answer any quibbles or irritating questions! Its one of the few really great tourist attractions along with Eden etc that really make Cornwall tourists and visitors welcome. They have a wide range of hands on activities around the centre, great for kids and big kids alike
Qype User Donutr
Qype User Donutr
Nov 14, 2008
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The National Maritime Museum in Falmouth is much more exciting than meets the eye. I found the Maritime Museum to be very intresting and I found I learnt a lot about a the sea and boats. Most of the attractions are hands on such as remote controlled paddle boats and and touch screen computers which let you find out about maritime. There is also a below sea level deck which is quite good as it lets you see under water. I found the maritime Museum was interesting for the whole family and there was enough to do for a whole day without getting bored. If you are going to Cornwall, go to the National