About Us
PK Porthcurno is a museum that tells the story of how the world connects.
From 1870, when the first undersea telegraph cable arrived here from India, to the fibre optic networks that carry almost all global communications today, the sands of Cornwall’s most idyllic beach have concealed some of the world’s greatest communications secrets.
Set within its iconic white building just above the beach, PK Porthcurno celebrates the pioneering achievements of unsung innovators and the power of human ingenuity in connecting people and places. It was here that the way the world communicates was transformed.
Today, PK Porthcurno invites you to explore how a once uninhabited Cornish valley became the heart of global communications, why it still matters and what the future of global connections might hold.
PK FRIENDS
By becoming a friend of PK Porthcurno, you are supporting vital projects including the conservation of our collection and historic listed buildings, our exhibitions and events, and our learning and public engagement programmes.
A brief introduction to PK Porthcurno: Museum of Global Communications
An introductory film, providing visuals and contextual information about the museum, WWII bunker, archive, and valley. It situates Porthcurno in the history of global communications while showcasing key objects in the museum’s collection and archive.
Filmed and edited by Alban Roinard & produced by Alice Howard
OUR VALUES
Inspiring
We love what we do and hope to inspire others by sharing our enthusiasm and inviting their participation.
Progressive
We are forward-thinking, adventurous, and not afraid to try new things.
Relevant
We engage people with our collections and stories and how these relate to their own lives.
Sustainable
We work towards a sustainable world and aim to do no harm.
Open
We create an inclusive and open environment that welcomes respectful discourse.
OUR VISION:
A world where people are inspired by the past, understand the science and technology that connects them and use that knowledge to imagine and shape a better future.
OUR MISSION:
We invite people to explore the connected world. Uncover the history, science and technology of global communications and see what it means in their own lives.