Royal Institution of Cornwall

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The Royal Institution of Cornwall (RIC) was founded in Truro, Cornwall, United Kingdom, in 1818 as the Cornwall Literary and Philosophical Institution. The Institution was one of the earliest of seven similar societies established in England and Wales. The RIC moved to its present site in River Street in 1919 to the building that was originally Truro Savings Bank. It took its current name (Royal Institution of Cornwall) in 1821 after receiving Royal patronage.

The Royal Institution of Cornwall runs the Royal Cornwall Museum, which has a permanent display on the history of Cornwall from prehistoric times to the present day, as well as the natural history of Cornwall, a world famous collection of minerals and a pre-eminent collections of ceramics and fine art.

Above the museum is the Courtney Library, which currently holds c. 30,000 printed volumes, 35,000 manuscripts and documents, newspapers from 1798, printed maps, periodicals and engravings. It specialises in family history and local history.