The UK’s most westerly town, Penzance delights with its coastal scenery, subtropical climate, and spectacular views over Mounts Bay. It’s also a haven for art lovers thanks to its many art galleries and deep connections with Cornwall’s rich artistic past.
Only a mile away, the galleries of Newlyn captivate visitors too, along with its pretty fishing harbour and sea wall. Altogether, the two towns provide an exciting escape for art enthusiasts visiting West Cornwall.
Keep reading to discover the best art galleries in Penzance and Newlyn, including contemporary pieces, famous artworks, and depictions of the beautiful landscapes that make this region one of the UK’s most cherished visitor destinations.
Penlee House Gallery & Museum
Best for: Cornish history
Morrab Road, Penzance TR18 4HE
A beautiful Victorian manor house converted into an art gallery, Penlee House Gallery and Museum’s setting is just as impressive as the artworks themselves. Surrounded by subtropical gardens in the town centre, the café terrace is quick to tempt while browsing the exhibitions.
Artworks include a permanent collection of works from the renowned Newlyn School painters (famous in the 19th century for developing the region’s “en plein air” style), including original pieces by Norman Garstin, Elizabeth Forbes, Stanhope Forbes and Walter Langley.
On site, you’ll also discover the museum, which provides insight into over 6,000 years of history in West Cornwall, including archaeological finds, social history, and natural science.
Cornwall Contemporary
Best for: Upcoming artists
1 Parade Street, Penzance TR18 4BU
An extensive space, spread across four floors, Cornwall Contemporary has earned international acclaim for its displays of paintings, sculptures, and ceramics by national and internationally recognised artists with a connection to Cornwall.
Located in a listed building on Chapel Street, which is home to an eclectic selection of independent shops, pubs, and businesses, the gallery is overflowing with character.
The ground floor gallery delights with its monthly exhibitions, while the upper two floors house paintings by gallery artists alongside capsule installations and exhibitions. New for 2026, an exciting sculpture and ceramic space has taken up residence in the basement.
Newlyn Art Gallery
Best for: A little bit of everything
New Road, Newlyn TR18 5PZ
A cornerstone of contemporary art in West Cornwall, Newlyn Art Gallery has been promoting the work of local artists and those from further afield for over 100 years. Based on the Newlyn waterfront, overlooking Mounts Bay, changing exhibitions feature artwork in all mediums. Don’t miss out on the Picture Room, which showcases affordable artworks for sale, perfect for picking up a Cornish souvenir.
Newlyn Art Gallery also hosts a range of activities and events throughout the year, including guided walking tours of the town and family-friendly art workshops. Or, you can relax at café Fika and grab a coffee and cake in their tranquil garden space.
Redwing Gallery
Best for: Accessible art
32 Alverton St, Penzance TR18 2QN
A community interest project and inclusive exhibition space, Redwing Gallery showcases the artwork of socially excluded individuals. Along with embracing diversity and raising awareness of contemporary outsider art issues, they also provide inclusive and affordable art classes, workshops, and drop-in sessions.
Join for oil painting workshops, or a range of cultural events including West African drumming and Cornish language classes - all hosted by volunteers.
Their shop is also full of affordable artworks, where you’re guaranteed to find something special, and their on-site café serves up delicious veggie and vegan meals.
The Exchange
Best for: Gift shop stops
Princes Street, Penzance TR18 2NL
Sister to Newlyn Art Gallery, The Exchange is less than half a mile away on foot along the beautiful promenade in Penzance. Providing a larger gallery for more ambitious exhibitions, The Exchange stays true to Newlyn Art Gallery’s contemporary roots and showcases modern works from regional, national, and international artists.
On site, you’ll also discover a café and a well-stocked gift shop selling books, cards, ceramics, jewellery, stationery and much more.
Lighthouse Gallery
Best for: Coastal inspiration
53 Causewayhead, Penzance TR18 2SS
Stepping inside the Lighthouse Gallery is like a breath of fresh air, where white-washed walls and a simple layout make it easy to enjoy the coastal-themed artworks.
Featuring contemporary pieces inspired by Cornwall, displays include paintings, ceramics, sculpture and jewellery, along with rotating exhibitions from some of Cornwall’s leading artists. Walking through the door, you could see anything from photo-realistic oil paintings of windy beaches to charming sculptures that capture the heart and the imagination.
Thomas Henry Art Gallery
Best for: Cornish roots
16 The Strand, Newlyn TR18 5HN
Set beside Newlyn Harbour, where fishing boats bob lazily in the water, the Thomas Henry Art Gallery showcases contemporary artworks by upcoming and established artists based in Cornwall.
Owned by a former lighthouse keeper, the gallery champions the connection between art and the sea and a small portion of sales is donated to the RNLI lifeboat charity.
Browse the collections for modern depictions of Cornish landscapes, Cornish-made ceramics, and discover the new local artists who are spotlighted each month.
The Artists House Gallery
Best for: A colourful addition
29 Market Jew Street, Penzance TR18 2HR
Perfect for souvenirs, The Artists House Gallery hosts beautiful pictures by local artist Sarah Bell, known for her vibrant depictions of Cornwall.
Working across screen printing and watercolour, Sarah’s works are for sale in the gallery either as originals or prints and all are created on-site in her upstairs studio.
Common themes include swimming, art deco style depictions, landscapes and sea life, ensuring there’s something for your wall, whatever your tastes. Sarah also offers watercolour workshops for budding artists and those looking to hone their skills, which are offered as both group activities and one-to-one classes.
Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens
Best for: A garden mosey
Nr Gulval, Penzance TR20 8YL
Set above the iconic sweep of Mounts Bay, Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens invite you to explore Cornwall’s art scene in true Cornish style - en plain air! The tiered, tree-lined garden hides many sculptures within its subtropical grasp, all of which encourage you to look a bit closer and consider the relationship between art and the natural world.
At the end of your tour through the verdant garden, which is kept lush and vibrant thanks to the area’s microclimate, visit the onsite gallery for even more artistic inspiration. One of the largest purpose-built galleries in Cornwall, Tremenheere Gallery hosts a variety of artworks throughout the year, with local, national, and international artists lending their creativity to the space. Before you leave, make sure to stop by Tremenheere Kitchen for a light bite with an unbeatable view across St Michael’s Mount.
Pendeen Pottery and Gallery
Best for: Cornish homeware
Pendeen TR19 7DN
A short drive from Penzance town centre, on the way to Land’s End, Pendeen Pottery and Gallery boasts a magical collaboration between husband and wife team Gemma and John Swan.
Artworks include John’s earthenware pottery, which is as functional as it is beautiful, including flowerpots, jugs, mugs, and plenty more, all thrown on site - we particularly love the characterful animal decorations! John’s glazes range from neutral tones to vibrant colours, all inspired by the Cornish ocean and landscapes.
On the gallery walls, you’ll discover Gemma’s botanical artworks alongside still life paintings, along with a selection of paintings, crafts, prints and cards by other local artists.
Jackson Foundation Gallery
Best for: Kurt Jackson fans
North Row, St Just TR19 7LB
Just a 10-minute drive from Penzance is the Jackson Foundation Gallery, often ranked the best art gallery in Cornwall - so well worth a visit!
Founded by contemporary artist Kurt Jackson and his wife Caroline, the gallery is a masterclass in modern advancements, with multiple awards and carbon-negative credentials to its name.
Inside, the art is just as symbiotic with nature, with exhibitions showcasing the multifaceted natural world around us, from wildflowers to seals. You never know what kind of medium you’ll be met with as you walk around the gallery, whether it’s photography capturing Cornwall’s efforts in sustainability or poetry that encourages a quiet moment of reflection. Set within the uber-pretty mining town of St Just, this gallery is a day out in its own right.
Looking for self-catered holiday cottages in Penzance or Newlyn to provide a base for your trip? Our collection of holiday cottages can be found throughout the town and the surrounding areas.
Tags: Art | Newlyn | Penzance | West Cornwall |