You might need to come back for another Cornwall holiday when you realise how much there is to see and do in this fair county.
For art and history enthusiasts, nothing can beat a trip to a world-class gallery or museum. Not to mention, an exhibition is the perfect way to escape the rain on a typical Cornish summer\’s day.
Falmouth Art Gallery
The gallery has an impressive collection of over 2,000 artworks that range from Pre-Raphaelite and British Impressionist paintings to contemporary prints, photography and a children\’s illustration archive.
The gallery is also home to the largest contemporary collection of automata in a public museum. Works change regularly with the exhibition programme so visit the website for full details.
Visit the Falmouth Art Gallery website
Penryn Town Museum
Within walking distance of your accommodation at Cornwall Plus, Penryn Town Museum is a quaint museum of curiosities housed in Penryn’s old Market House.
View the Enys Family collection, see Penryn\’s oldest fire engine and learn about Glasney Lodge dig – the very site on which our accommodation sits!
Visit the Penryn Town Museum website
Royal Cornwall Museum
Located in the heart of Truro, Royal Cornwall Museum showcases the best of Cornish life and culture. Collections include fine art, classical civilizations and Cornish archaeology.
The museum houses an Ancient Greek, Roman and Egyptian permanent exhibition as well as a ceramic collection on loan from the V&A. Forthcoming exhibitions include the Bloodhound SSC and Poldark’s Cornwall.
Visit the Royal Cornwall Museum website for opening hours and more information.
Tate St Ives
Cornwall’s most famous art gallery, The Tate St Ives is a striking building, recently refursished, which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean at Porthmeor Beach.
They host a variety of exhibitions and displays in this iconic location, and offer combined admission to the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden.
Visit the Tate St Ives website for more info
Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden
Considered one of Britain’s most important 20th Century artists, Barbara Hepworth’s studio is now a museum showcasing some of her most important work.
Under the care of The Tate, The Barbara Hepworth Museum is well worth a visit – especially on a fair day when the sculptures and lush garden can be best enjoyed.
Visit the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden website
Newlyn Art Gallery and The Exchange
Newlyn Art Gallery sits in an important location in the history of 20th century painting. The building overlooks Newlyn Green and the sea and hosts exhibitions all year round, showcasing the work of artists from Cornwall and all over the world. As well as exhibitions, the Gallery hosts supper clubs, family workshops and activities.
The Exchange is located in Penzance and is larger than Newlyn Gallery. Like Newlyn Art Gallery, The Exchange exhibits artists from around the world, supper clubs and events.
Visit the Newlyn Art Gallery and The Exchange website
National Maritime Museum Falmouth
A must-see for all visitors to Falmouth. Falmouth’s National Maritime Museum is an award-winning visitor attraction set in fifteen galleries over five floors.
A year-round programme of events includes talks, hands-on activities and lectures.
Find out more at the National Maritime Museum website.
The Telegraph Museum
Take a drive out to Porthcurno to discover where the roots of modern communication began. Porthcurno has been connected through undersea cables since 1870.
Learn about Porthcurno’s role in shaping modern communication and connectivity through interactive displays and explore the WW2 wartime tunnels. Don’t forget to head down to the beach to dip your toes in the sea before you go home.
Visit the Telegraph Museum website
Penlee House
Enjoy wonderful art exhibitions and displays of local history at Penlee House in Penzance. Exhibitions include Painting in Cornwall from Turner to Wallis (until 3rd Sept 16) and paintings by the Newlyn School of Artists 1880 to 1940.
The museum boasts award winning learning facilities and a delightful bookshop and cafe.
Visit the Penlee House website
Helston Museum
Explore 19th and 20th century Cornish culture and industry in the heart of Helston.
The Museum\’s collection reflects the social and industrial history of Cornwall, from mining, fishing and farming through to home life in the 18th – 20th centuries. The mezzanine gallery hosts regular art exhibitions and workshops.
Museum of Witchcraft and Magic
Opened by Cecil Williamson in 1960, this has been one of the county’s most popular museums.
The museum focuses on the history of magical practice in Britain from ancient times to the present day with exciting new displays, temporary exhibitions and events and a collection that has grown to over 3000 objects and over 7000 books.
Visit the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic website
