Press Release
17 | 08 | 20
(Previously the Telegraph Museum Porthcurno)
PK Porthcurno Re-opens with
Free Entry Throughout the Autumn
Photo credit Rebecca Peters
Following its temporary closure, Cornwall's most unique heritage attraction, PK Porthcurno (previously the Telegraph Museum Porthcurno), reopens on 3rd September and will welcome much-missed visitors with free entry throughout the autumn. Designed for all ages, PK Porthcurno is an interactive museum experience that showcases the science, the people and the stories that have made developments in global communications possible, and demonstrates how advances in digital communications are changing the world forever.
The re-opening also marks the launch of a series of events and exhibitions celebrating the 150th anniversary of the first telegraph cable landing on Porthcurno beach in 1870. Originally scheduled for summer 2020, ‘Porthcurno150+1' will now run from this September to summer 2021, culminating in a tall-ship event on Porthcurno beach, and a specially commissioned new play at the Minack Theatre. Anniversary events begin on September 3rd with the installation of a bespoke Lego build by world famous Lego designer Warren Elsmore Studio, who have created a scale model of the Cableship ‘Investigator' and an imagined scene of the first telegraph cable landing at Porthcurno.
While some of the museum's interactive exhibits have been removed in order to comply with Covid 19 regulations, the majority are still on display, and visitors can take advantage of a wealth of activities, from the challenge of code cracking to fun science experiments, as well as daily talks and demonstrations. Locally sourced food and drink will be available at Café PK, at pre-booked tables or to take away, and visitors can enjoy a family picnic in the museum's beautiful gardens. In addition, the museum shop will reopen with a special sale of its books, toys and gifts.
Museum Director Julia Twomlow says: "When Coronavirus hit, it was right at the beginning of our 150th anniversary year, so you can imagine how disappointed we were at having to close the museum. We are really excited to be opening up again and have made lots of changes within the museum so that visitors can enjoy the PK experience safely. The last few months haven't been easy for anyone, so we hope that the offer of free entry will be a good way to welcome old friends back to the museum, and hopefully attract new visitors too."
New Covid-safe procedures include a one-way system and multiple hand-sanitiser stations throughout the museum, as well as an enhanced cleaning regime and the acceptance of card payments only in the café and shop. Visitors will be required to wear face coverings at all times, and numbers will be strictly limited, so pre-booking is strongly advised. See the museum website for details on how to book. PK Porthcurno opens daily from 3rd September, from 10am to 5pm, last entry 4pm.
Families enjoying one of a variety of daily talks in the museum's Demonstration Zone | Photo credit Rebecca Peters
PK Porthcurno, Eastern House, Porthcurno, Penzance, Cornwall, TR19 6JX
Tel 01736 810966| www.pkporthcurno.com
-END-
Print Ready 300dpi images for press use:
Kids arriving at PK Porthcurno_photo credit Rebecca Peters
Families at a science talk_photo credit Rebecca Peters
For further press information and additional high-resolution images contact Mercedes Smith
director@culturenotes.co.uk| Tel 07825 270235 |www.culturenotes.co.uk
Editors Notes
PK Porthcurno
The tiny Cornish village of Porthcurno was once the heart of international telecommunications, boasting the largest telegraph station in the world. Today, PK Porthcurno is a vibrant and captivating heritage attraction. Discover our World War II tunnels, which were the secret hub of Britain's wartime communications; visit the Cable Hut where the UK's network of underwater telecommunication cables came ashore; explore exhibitions and interactive displays telling the amazing story of global telecommunications, from the first practical use of electricity to how we communicate today using fibre optic cables that still run beneath the world's seas and oceans.
A Unique History
PK Porthcurno is unique amongst Cornwall's heritage attractions and illustrates the crucial role Porthcurno and its residents played in the development of modern communications. In particular it tells the story of the people who came to train at the telegraph station, the friendships and romances they formed, the extraordinary lives they led as Cable & Wireless employees in far flung locations across the British Empire, and the vital role they played in defining the Allies' strategy during World War II.
For Families
Designed for all ages, this family-friendly interactive museum showcases the science, the people, and the amazing stories that made developments in global communications possible, and demonstrates how advances in digital communications are changing the world forever. Immerse your family in Porthcurno's lasting legacy and spend the day exploring science, technology, history and the world around us. With secret tunnels, trails, codes to crack, interactive technology, hands-on experiments and creative seasonal events, families can take advantage of a wealth of inspiring activities throughout the year, as well as enjoying our onsite café, and browsing our museum shop.
For Schools
Our varied programme of school workshops combines engaging hands-on activities with time to explore the Museum. Our experienced learning team will work with you to plan your visit, tailoring workshops to meet your groups' needs or specific learning outcomes. Activities are hosted at our onsite Clore Learning Space - an accessible and flexible space designed for both formal and informal learning.
For Students and Researchers
Available by arrangement to school students, undergraduates, postgraduates and researchers, PK Porthcurno houses the business archive of Cable & Wireless, an enviable collection that includes thousands of unique records from Porthcurno's lasting communication legacy, including an estimated 10,000 photographs from the 1850's to the present day. Following the closure of the original telegraph station and training school, many historically significant objects were kept and now form the basis of the Museum's unique collection, which has designated status in recognition of its national and international significance.
Additional Information
PK Porthcurno is owned by the PK Trust which is a registered educational charity no. 1062233.
PK Porthcurno, Eastern House, Porthcurno, Penzance, Cornwall, TR19 6JX | 01736 810966
info@pkporthcurno.com |www.pkporthcurno.com
director@culturenotes.co.uk| Tel 07825 270235 |www.culturenotes.co.uk