Cornwall's latest visitor attraction, the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, has opened in Falmouth.

The aim of the £28m museum is to promote an understanding of boats, the maritime heritage of Cornwall and to inspire new boat design. Fully independent, the NMMC was created in partnership with the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich and the former Cornwall Maritime Museum, Falmouth.

The building was designed by architects Long & Kentish following a countrywide competition run by Cornwall County Council in 1996. Land Design Studio master-planned, designed and developed the exhibitions. The two practices worked closely throughout the development to create a seamless interchange between the building and its interior.

The waterfront museum houses a collection of around 140 small craft of historical significance from Britain and overseas. Spanning 150 years, the collection ranges from working boats and fishing vessels to racing dinghies and record breakers. It also includes a collection of artefacts representing Cornish maritime heritage, such as traditional fishing equipment and tools. Details: www.nmmc.co.uk