Kresen Kernow in Redruth is home to over 1.5million items telling the story of Cornwall and celebrating its unique identity.
Before it was chosen as the new home for Cornwall’s history, the Redruth Brewery site had been derelict for a decade and badly damaged by the elements and vandalism.
The project notably reduced anti-social behaviour in the area, freed up land for local housing development and engaged over 41,000 people in activities, training and events.
Providing a welcoming and accessible space for the local community and visitors was central to the project. A learning room provides space to welcome schools and other groups of people. Pupils from over 44 schools across Cornwall have been able to use original documents in their learning, getting a hands-on approach to history.
Staff and volunteers have digitised the collections so people can access hundreds of years of Cornish heritage online for the first time.
The restoration of this historic building at the heart of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site has been the catalyst for a flagship heritage-led regeneration scheme, creating training opportunities and jobs in one of the country’s most deprived communities.
Since its completion, we've invested further funding into Redruth, supporting the regeneration of both the Buttermarket and Library.
Explore some highlights from Kresen Kernow's collection.
