Visitor viewing framed photographs in an art gallery

Art galleries in Cornwall

The sheer number of art galleries in Cornwall is a testament to the region's rich artistic heritage. Many of the UK's most renowned artists have lived and worked here, taking inspiration from the region's famously lush landscapes and sweeping coastal views.

Some of these works can be seen here at The Nare. The walls of the hotel are decorated with an extensive collection of 20th-century art, collected by The Nare's former proprietor, Bettye Gray. The hotel also has its own artist in residence – Jeanni Grant-Nelson – who runs regular art lessons for guests.

Those willing to venture a little further will be richly rewarded. There are many fine galleries within easy reach of The Nare, which host works by a wide range of celebrated artists and up-and-coming talents. This guide covers a few of the most notable, as well as several smaller galleries that are well worth a visit.

Tate St Ives Low-angle view of a white Art Deco style building entrance with curved columns and the word 'TATE' on the wall.

Tate St Ives

St Ives • 40 miles (80 minutes) from The Nare

Perhaps the best known of all the art galleries in Cornwall, Tate St Ives has established a reputation to rival its longstanding London cousin. Opened in 1993, the gallery now ranks among the most-visited attractions in the UK.

Much like Tate London, St Ives specialises in contemporary art – but with a curatorial eye aimed squarely at the local Cornish art scene. Across three floors, discover sculptures by Barbara Hepworth, paintings by Alfred Wallis and works from the celebrated St Ives School. And with an ever-changing programme of temporary exhibitions, there's always something new to discover.

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Barbara Hepworth's Close-up of stone-carving and sculpting tools on a dusty workbench in a workshop

Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden

St Ives • 40 miles (80 minutes) from The Nare

One of the leading lights of Modernist sculpture, Barbara Hepworth spent the majority of her life in St Ives. Today, her life and works are celebrated at the Barbara Hepworth Museum, housed in the town-centre studio where she crafted some of her most famous sculptures.

Stepping inside is like interrupting a moment in time, with Hepworth's living room and studio left virtually untouched. In the secluded garden, meanwhile, find a selection of her most famous works, including the renowned Two Forms (Divided Circle).

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Visitor viewing framed paintings in a quiet art gallery

Penlee House

Penzance • 41 miles (80 minutes) from The Nare

For lovers of 19th-century art, this gallery and museum is a rare treat. Housed within a grand Victorian manor, the gallery hosts many paintings from the famed Newlyn School. That includes masterworks like School is Out by Elizabeth Forbes and Among the Missing by Walter Langley. In the museum, meanwhile, find fascinating exhibits on local archaeology, photography and social history. Be sure to stop by the Orangery Café, too, which comes highly recommended for its home-baked cakes and pastries.

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Newlyn Fishing boats and small yachts moored in a calm harbour with reflections on the water and hillside houses under a clear blue sky.

Newlyn Art Gallery

Newlyn, Penzance • 43 miles (80 minutes) from The Nare

Newlyn Art Gallery was established in 1895 as an exhibition space for the local Newlyn School. Today, this Penzance venue is recognised as one of the finest contemporary art galleries in Cornwall. With only a small permanent collection, the gallery focuses on showcasing emerging local talents with an ever-changing programme of vibrant exhibitions.

Don't forget to visit Newlyn's sister gallery, The Exchange, which is located a little over a mile from the main venue. Not only does it host its own varied programme, but it offers a great excuse to explore this characterful Cornish town on foot.

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Other art galleries worth visiting

 

Veryan Galleries

Veryan Green • 2 miles away

Guests at The Nare may have noticed this gallery as they passed through the nearby village of Veryan. A relaxed and informal space, it hosts an ever-changing selection of original paintings, mainly by Cornish artists such as Margaret Merry.

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The Harbour Gallery

Portscatho • 6 miles away

A relatively new gallery, The Harbour celebrates innovative ideas and regularly hosts exhibitions in unusual locations. With informal monthly newsletters and 'Meet the Artist' evenings, there is always something interesting on the agenda.

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The New Gallery

Portscatho • 6 miles away

This not-so-new gallery was established in 1985. It showcases a wide selection of established West Country artists, including several who are exclusively represented by the gallery. As well as exhibiting paintings, crafts and ceramics, the gallery hosts a working studio upstairs.

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Tregony Contemporary

Tregony • 9 miles away

This small, friendly gallery is on the main street in the quiet Roseland village of Tregony. It specialises in showing work by contemporary Cornish artists, with styles ranging from modern abstract to traditional. The gallery hosts mixed and solo exhibitions throughout the year.

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The Square Gallery

St Mawes • 9 miles away

For more than 20 years, The Square Gallery has stood – figuratively and literally – at the heart of the St Mawes art scene. The gallery hosts a diverse range of original contemporary art, curating work in contrasting styles to appeal to a wide variety of tastes.

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Trelissick Gallery

Trelissick Garden • 9 miles away

This gallery is housed on two floors in an award-winning converted 19th-century barn, alongside the internationally renowned Trelissick Garden. It aims to present the very best of contemporary Cornish arts and crafts, including works by Robert Jones, Mike Hindle and Rachael Mia Allen.

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Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery

Truro • 13 miles away

Formerly the Royal Cornwall Museum, this longstanding Truro institution houses a vast range of exhibits tracing Cornish life from the Stone Age to the present day. Its gallery, meanwhile, features an important collection of ceramics and a changing display of fine and decorative art.

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Fowey River Gallery

Fowey • 22 miles away

Perched beside the Fowey Estuary, this gallery has established itself as an important local venue for discerning collectors of Cornish contemporary art. It offers a changing selection of paintings by renowned artists like Terry Frost and Robert Jones, as well as high-quality crafts.

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Beside the Wave

Falmouth • 24 miles away

Beside the Wave is located on Falmouth's main street, housed in a Regency building that overlooks the sea. Many of Cornwall's most celebrated artists exhibit here, including Amanda Hoskin, Benjamin Warner, Andrew Tozer, Ted Dyer and Neil Pinkett.

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Falmouth Art Gallery

Falmouth • 24 miles away

One of the best art galleries in Cornwall for families, Falmouth Art Gallery aims to engage visitors of all ages with a vibrant array of exhibits. Along with fine art, the gallery hosts an exhibition of children's illustration and a collection of colourful automata.

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