Best Art Galleries in St Ives

Home to a rich and vibrant art scene, the bustling seaside town of St Ives has long been a popular hotspot for local and national artists to showcase their work.

Known for being one of the best places to go for a staycation in Cornwall, St Ives boasts tonnes of great beaches, award-winning restaurants and plenty more… but did you know that it also has one of the best local art scenes in the UK?

Keep scrolling to discover all the best art galleries in St Ives, featuring everything from regional and local artists to some of the biggest names in the art scene…

1. Tate St Ives

 

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One of only two Tate Galleries outside of London, Tate St Ives opened its doors in 1993 and since then has become one of the most visited attractions in the UK.

Overlooking Porthmeor Beach in the heart of the town, this art gallery also has a gift shop as well as a great café overlooking the beach where visitors can unwind and relax after exploring the exhibition spaces, making it a great place to go even on a rainy day in Cornwall!

Showcasing works from various local artists, Tate St Ives also hosts national and international exhibitions too, so we’d highly recommend checking ahead to see what’s on here during your visit to make sure you don’t miss out.

2. Penwith Gallery

 

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Nestled in the heart of the town, Penwith Gallery is the exhibition space for the Penwith Society of Arts, founded in 1949 by a group of local artists including Barbara Hepworth.

Spread out over a complex of buildings, this St Ives art gallery boasts three public exhibition spaces as well as a host of artist’s studios and even its own sculpture courtyard for visitors to explore.

Hosting exhibitions throughout the year, this gallery mainly hosts works from its society members and associates, but you’ll also often find plenty of works and exhibits showcasing artists from all over Cornwall and the rest of the country.

3. Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden

 

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Formerly known as Trewyn Studio before it was purchased by the artist in 1949, the Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden is housed inside her former home, which she used as her primary studio for over 20 years.

Today, the gallery is owned and managed by Tate, who have made an effort to preserve her works and the spaces where she created them. With lots of stuff to see in-and-around the house, you’ll also find some of her most famous sculptures in the museum’s gardens.

This attraction also features on our list of the best things to do in St Ives for Couples »

4. St Ives Contemporary

 

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Home to a host of pop-up gallery events and exhibitions, the St Ives Contemporary, as the name suggests, predominantly hosts modern from a range of diverse artists based in-and-around St Ives.

Showcasing everything from paintings to sculptures and ceramics, this art gallery in St Ives can be found just outside the centre of the town, tucked away from the bustling tourist area near the harbour. However, despite first impressions from the outside, this St Ives art gallery is anything but small!

5. Porthminster Gallery

 

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Hosting more than sixty different artists including painters, sculptors, printmakers and ceramicists, Porthminster Gallery was founded in 1999 and since then has won awards such as “Best Art Gallery in Cornwall” by The Times, earning it a solid reputation locally.

Specialising in highly collectible works from British artists, particularly in the modernist/post-war style, this art gallery in St Ives hosts regular exhibits throughout the year for visitors to enjoy, as well as an on-site shop where many of the gallery’s works can be purchased.

6. Whistlefish Art Gallery

 

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Located right in the heart of the town’s bustling centre just a stone’s throw away from Harbour Sand, Whistlefish Art Gallery was founded by local artist Lyn Thompson in 1997. Since then, it has grown into a budding network of talented artists that showcase and sell their work at the twelve Whistlefish galleries situated across the southwest of England.

With a particular focus on sustainability, Whistlefish pride themselves on making and selling high-quality prints and cards at affordable prices, making them one of the best art suppliers in the county. What’s best is that their art gallery in St Ives can be found on the same street as their shop, giving you the opportunity to nip down the road to purchase something you’ve seen in the gallery. Not only that, but being in the heart of the town, it’s also situated right by some of the best restaurants in St Ives!

7. Gallery 38

 

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Found on The Wharf next to the iconic Smeaton’s Pier, Gallery 38 is a quaint art shop that’s nestled amongst the hustle and bustle of the town. Offering a range of both affordable and original prints and paintings, this gallery sources the majority of its works from local artists, with works featuring scenes of popular locations across the county.

8. New Craftsman Gallery

 

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Opened in 1965, New Craftsman Gallery is one of the longest-running and most well-established art galleries in St Ives, helping to launch the careers of many of the town’s famous artists of the 20th century. Today, it hosts a mix of artwork from both well-known and up-and-coming Cornish artists, from painters to ceramicists to jewellers and a whole lot more. Stocking a range of both affordable and high-end pieces, it makes for a great place to stop off whilst exploring the town.

9. Barnoon Arts

 

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Famous for being housed inside one of the smallest buildings in St Ives, Barnoon Arts might be quaint, but it certainly won’t disappoint you if you’re looking for some great local artwork! Established in 2015, they host their own art gallery as well as a variety of classes for enthusiasts to take part in too, making it a great place to head to if you’re hoping to take part in some arts and crafts!

Thinking about staying here for your next break to visit these art galleries in St Ives? If so, there’s plenty of holiday cottages in St Ives to choose from, including plenty of apartments in St Ives that would be perfect to book for your next staycation!