The National Maritime Museum in Falmouth has announced its programme for the year.

Theatre performances, opportunities to learn in exciting and different ways and lots of exhibitions.

Here's an overview of what's to come:

Sunday 16 February: The World of Whales

On World Whale Day, the Museum is hosting local illustrator Becky Thorns for the launch of her new book The World of Whales. Visitors will have the chance to join in creating a huge group collage and have their copies of the booked signed by Becky.

Monday 17 – Friday 21 February: Science of the Sea

Bristol Explorer Dome, who present interactive science shows across the UK, return to the Museum with Science of the Sea. The team use magical fog, exploding water and curious chemistry with a nautical twist.

Saturday 22 February: Transit of Venus

Working with Mayes Creative, explore the universe with the Transit of Venus. There are three tours which last an hour. Mayes Creative is a Cornish company who specialises in creating opportunities for local communities by working with heritage, technology and science partners.

Public opening, Friday 20 March: Monsters of the Deep

Monsters of the Deep is set to be the most ambitious exhibition the Museum has ever undertaken. Take an immersive tour through the world of deep-sea monsters, both real and imagined. The exhibition will be on display at National Maritime Museum Cornwall from Friday 20 March 2020 to Monday 3 January 2022.

Monster Talks

The Museum is hosting a brand new lecture series in connection with the Monsters of the Deep exhibition. The talks include:

Thursday 16 April – Hunting Monsters, with internally recognised palaeontologist Dr Darren Naish.

Thursday 7 May – Treasured Maps with archivist David Thomas from Kresen Kernow.

Thursday 15 October – Maps, Globes and Monsters with Dr Megan Barford, Curator at Royal Museums Greenwich.

Easter and summer holidays: Into the Deep Blue with Yskynna

The show follows a mermaid on her adventures with her friends and will feature breathtaking aerial dance, songs, storytelling and music.

Monday 4 May to Sunday 27 September: Heritage Boat Tours

The Heritage Boat Tours return this year and, due to last year's huge success, dates have been extended.

Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May: Water Safely Weekend with the RNLI.

The Museum is teaming up with the RNLI again for a weekend of activities. The two-day event will include fun games and demonstrations focused on staying safe on the beach.

Monday 25 to Friday 29 May: Mini Monsters of the Not So Deep

Learn how to rock pool safely and which creatures can be found on Cornwall's beaches.

Thursday 28 to Saturday 30 May: Canvas and Rum with North South Theatre

North South Theatre are a Cornish company who perform in unusual locations, such as aboard boats out at sea. They are heading for dry land for three evening shows under the flying flotilla in the Museum's Main Hall.

October: To the Sea Again by Robert Jones

Opening in October is the latest exhibition, To the Sea Again, by well-known Cornish artist and author Robert Jones.

Monday 26 to Friday 30 October: Silhouettes and Shadows

October half-term at the Museum takes on the theme of Silhouettes and Shadows. Shadowy storytelling runs from Monday 26 to Friday 30 October.

Saturday 31 October: Halloween at the Museum

This Halloween, dress up as ghosts and ghouls for Halloween at the Museum. Find all the spooky sea spirits in the dark corners of the Museum and trick or treat along the way.

Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November: Model Boat Weekend

After the huge successes of the Model Boat Weekend in 2018 the two-day event returns. There will be exhibitors from across the county, live demonstrations and activities for all ages.

Saturday 19 December 2020 to Sunday 3 January 2021: Lanterns and Lights

Building on the success of last year's Lanterns and Lights, the Museum will be celebrating festive light once again with illuminated boats, historic ship lanterns and nautical light, paving the way for the festive season.

Find out more about the museum by clicking the red button below.