The Eight Best Galleries in Cornwall

Featuring the big hitters, such as the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, and the smaller places, like CIRCLE Contemporary, that don’t quite receive the attention they deserve, here’s our list of the best galleries to visit in Cornwall.

The art scene in Cornwall isn't all about wishy-washy watercolour seascapes and milquetoast garden sculptures. We've scouted out the best galleries in the county for those who are interested in topping up their culture credentials in between spots of surfing on Cornwall's infamously alluring beaches. Featuring the big hitters, such as the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, and the smaller places, like CIRCLE Contemporary, that don't quite receive the attention they deserve, here's our list of the best galleries to visit in Cornwall.

Take a beach break by visiting one of these Cornish galleries

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Barbara Hepworth Museum

St Ives was home to Barbara Hepworth, one of the most celebrated artists of the 20th century. After her death in 1975, Hepworth’s sculpture garden and her workshop were kept intact. Visit the museum and pick your way through the dense, organic structures cast in iron against a tangle of flowers and greenery.

Address

Barnoon Hill St Ives TR26 1AD

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Tate St. Ives

While we’re all for supporting the little folks, it would be simply wrong of us not to give Tate St Ives a shout-out. Compared to its behemothic London siblings, it’s small, but its exhibitions – which usually cover themes local to the area – are impressive and the gallery itself has pinch-me views across the cove.

Address

Porthmeor Beach TR26 1TG

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Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens

This place sings on a blue skies-day. Sculptures by internationally renowned artists like Richard Long and David Nash are staggered throughout a valley replete with a patchwork of palms and a subtropical botanical garden which looks out over St Michael’s Mount. Bliss.

Address

Nr Gulval TR20 8YL

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Newlyn Art Gallery

Contemporary art? In Cornwall? Yes, really. This gallery first opened its doors in 1895, but it feels thoroughly modern thanks to a changing schedule of exhibitions covering themes on everything from LGBTQ+ rights to the British class system. If you're in Penzance for the evening, book onto a life-drawing class at Newlyn Art School.

Address

New Road, TR18 5PZ

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CIRCLE Contemporary

It's unlikely that you'd stumble upon this place, which sits in a few abandoned warehouses on the very edge of Wadebridge. Inside, a gleaming series of white cubes open up - their walls sparsely decorated with CIRCLE's roster of contemporary artists. The art here is the sort of stuff that makes you think, but that you also wouldn't mind sitting centre-stage in your home.

Address

Hawksfield Cornwall, PL27 7LR

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Leach Pottery Studio

Cornwall, United Kingdom

When people talk about St Ives being a potter's paradise, more often than not they're referring to The Leach Pottery. First opened in 1920, this legendary studio has played a formative role in shaping the history of British pottery. Today, visitors can delve into The Leach Pottery's legendary history or sign on for a masterclass. Go easy on the pedal, yeah?

Address

Higher Stennack St Ives TR26 2HE

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Penwith Gallery

The Penwith Gallery is a vast multistorey gallery which presents work created by the Penwith Society of Arts in Cornwall. While there is plenty of two-dimensional work to ogle, you’ll be rapt by the iridescent ceramics and masterful clay-stuffs on show.

Address

Back Road West TR26 1NL

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The Drang Gallery

Perhaps you’ve been to one of The Drang Gallery’s other outposts in the south-west. If so, you’ll know the focus here is on big names, not up-and-coming could-be-somebodies. We’re talking Marc Quinn, Tracey Emin and David Shrigley; artists whose work sits at the core of popular British culture.

Address

Strand House the Drang 3 Strand Quay PL28 8BL

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