Top 10 Cornwall art galleries

When you’re on holiday in Cornwall you can’t fail to be wowed by its spectacular natural beauty, including stunning beaches and dramatic moorlands – an endless source of inspiration for artists. In this guide, we will cover the top 10 Cornwall art galleries for you to explore.

Our guide showcases pioneering works by the 19^th and 20^th century artists who were inspired by Cornish life, as well as pieces by modern Cornish artists who are renowned locally, nationally and internationally. From Padstow to Penzance, you’ll find everything from beautiful landscapes and seascapes to abstract sculptures and delightful watercolours.

If you’re thinking of visiting Cornwall’s art galleries, taking an art course or simply bringing home a small painting as a memento of your holiday, we’ve got you covered for where to stay. Check out our selection of Cornish cottages today – and start planning your next arty holiday in the South West.

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• Art galleries in North Cornwall
• Art galleries in South Cornwall
• Art galleries in West Cornwall

Art galleries in North Cornwall

Padstow Gallery

One of the best Cornwall art galleries is Padstow Gallery. Established in 2018 by Liz Francis, it has a busy schedule of exhibitions, showing contemporary work by British artists that focuses on the natural landscapes, coastline and flora and fauna of Cornwall. As well as fine art, this friendly, independent gallery also sells ceramics, jewellery and some small sculptures.

Circle Contemporary

With a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and innovation, Circle Contemporary is one of the most exciting Cornwall art galleries as it brings together artists from Cornwall and around the world in a programme of solo and group exhibitions. The first floor of this high-level gallery is the studio of co-director John O’ Carroll, whose works are inspired by landscapes shaped by elemental force, while on the ground floor you’ll find a considered collection of contemporary paintings, textiles, sculptures, original prints and ceramics.

Art galleries in South Cornwall

Falmouth Art Gallery

One of the most family-friendly Cornwall art galleries is Falmouth Art Gallery, which offers something for everyone, including workshops, talks and events and, of course, its programme of exhibitions. It’s in the heart of Falmouth, making it a fun place to visit if you’re there for shopping, visiting the National Maritime Museum, the cinema or the beach. Please note that only assistance dogs are allowed in the gallery.

Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery

As well as being an extensive museum that’s home to more than 1 million objects, this revamped Truro institution (it was founded in 1818) has one of the most impressive Cornwall art galleries, with a revolving selection of its works now hanging on the balcony that overlooks the Heart of Cornwall Gallery. At The Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery you’ll see works by the likes of Barbara Hepworth, Alfred Wallis, John Singer Sargent and Stanhope Forbes, as well as a variety of pieces by other Cornish and British artists, and from the European Renaissance. Dogs are allowed on the ground floor.

Trelissick Gallery

The Trelissick Gallery is the showpiece of the Cornwall Crafts Association, set over two floors in the courtyard at the National Trust’s Trelissick. Seasonal selling exhibitions feature all kinds of tempting pieces by the Association’s members, from knitwear and jewellery to furniture and prints. With a well-deserved reputation for the quality of work, this is one of the best Cornwall art galleries to go for a special gift – for someone else or yourself! While you’re there, the formal gardens are beautiful, and there’s also a café, National Trust gift shop and second-hand book shop, and extensive parkland that’s great for dog walks.

Mid Cornwall Galleries

In a former Victorian school just off the A390 near St Austell, Mid Cornwall Galleries is one of the most respected sellers of contemporary art and craft in the whole of the South West, and one of the best Cornwall art galleries. If you’re visiting the Eden Project, Charlestown or Fowey it’s easy to pop in and look around – you’ll find a diverse array of work, including paintings, ceramics and glass, plus woodwork, prints, metalwork and more. Please note that dogs are not allowed in the galleries.

Art galleries in West Cornwall

Tate St Ives

The iconic Tate St Ives is set in the heart of this popular seaside town, overlooking the beach and the Atlantic. It is one of the most well-known Cornwall art galleries and underwent a £20 million extension in 2017, providing a new space for touring exhibitions, with a fascinating permanent display that focuses on the links between the town’s art scene and artistic developments in the rest of the world. While in the area, pop around the corner to see the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, a serene outdoor space dotted with bronzes by the eminent modern sculptor. Please note that only assistance dogs are allowed inside both venues.

Newlyn Art Gallery and The Exchange

One name; two Cornwall art galleries – Newlyn Art Gallery and The Exchange offers a diverse programme of exhibitions and events in Penzance, 1 mile away along the scenic promenade. Prepare to be surprised, intrigued and perhaps challenged by the contemporary work on show by artists from Cornwall, the UK and further afield, and enjoy the excellent gift shops and cafes afterwards. Well-behaved dogs are welcome at both venues, but may not be allowed into the main gallery spaces for some exhibitions. While in Newlyn, why not visit a chic cinema, a Michelin restaurant or the scenic harbour? Our guide to the intriguing fishing port has all the details.

Cornwall Contemporary

Leading artists from Cornwall and beyond exhibit at Cornwall Contemporary, which is one of the most exciting Cornwall art galleries. It is an appealing space set over three floors at the top of Penzance’s historic Chapel Street. The emphasis is on work associated with Cornwall, and includes paintings and prints, sculptures, ceramics, jewellery and art books, with solo and group exhibitions on the ground floor changing monthly, while the two upper floors showcase mixed displays of work.

Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens

In a sheltered valley 2 miles from Penzance, Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens was established by a local GP in 1997 and has now become an extraordinary, 22-acre sub-tropical garden featuring modern works by globally acclaimed artists, making it one of the best Cornwall art galleries. Winding paths rise up to wonderful vistas across to St Michael’s Mount and the planting, as well as the sculptures, is spectacular. Also on site are a large indoor art gallery, an excellent restaurant and takeaway hut, a shop and a nursery. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on a short lead throughout the gardens and in the outside seating area of Tremenheere Kitchen.

Stay in Cornwall

Are you excited to see more of Cornwall’s amazing creative scene? Our high-quality self-catering properties are located all around the county, and we have options suitable for couples, families and large groups – with many cottages welcoming dogs, too. To find your perfect base for discovering beautiful Cornish art, simply click the button below.