A VIBRANT and engaging exploration of the subject of misinformation has now opened at PK Porthcurno Museum of Global Communications.

Fake News? is a thought-provoking, cross-generational exhibition exploring the use of propaganda, disinformation and fake news from ancient times to the present day, encouraging curiosity and critical thinking to help visitors navigate today’s information-rich world.

Combining historical material with current debate, the exhibition encourages visitors to question what is true, what is fake, and how to tell the difference.

Visitors can explore the role of misinformation across the centuries, discovering how powerful narratives have been constructed throughout history using the information technology of the time.

The exhibition then moves into the digital age, exploring how algorithms work, the role of influencers and the rise of Artificial Intelligence, which has taken misinformation to a whole new level. It also brings together original historical examples with newly commissioned animation and illustrations by artist Syd Murphy.

Julia Twomlow, CEO and creative director at PK Porthcurno, said: “The subject of this exhibition could not be more relevant or important. Everywhere we look, it seems we are bombarded with misinformation or reading stories about ‘fake news’. We can end up feeling powerless and not knowing what or who to believe.

“But this isn’t a new problem, and our exhibition shows that the spread of misinformation has been used since ancient times to wield power and influence. Fake News? encourages us to challenge the myths and take back control through awareness, curiosity and asking the right questions.”

For families, the exhibition is accompanied by the S.N.I.F.F. Trail, where visitors join trusty bloodhound guide Ernest Smellingway to sniff out fact from fiction.

With a nose for the truth, Ernest leads visitors on a playful, family-friendly journey stretching across the whole museum, designed to engage and educate visitors of all ages.