As the artistic heart of Cornwall, St Ives is a popular spot for visitors interested in art and culture who are looking to immerse themselves in local Cornish creativity and learn more about the town and the county.
There are plenty of art galleries and museums packed into town that each celebrate a different artistic medium or section of history, meaning there’s something for everyone no matter whether they’re looking for a fun day exploring town or are after something a little more educational.
Art galleries in St Ives
You can’t walk more than a few minutes in St Ives without coming across one gallery or another though St Ives’ biggest claim to fame is that all of these galleries are worth visiting, each offering something unique that makes each stand out from the crowd.
1. Tate St Ives
The most prolific gallery in town, the Tate St Ives tops every list of galleries in the area due to both its fame and its iconic seaside location directly overlooking Porthmeor Beach and the coast.
The Tate Gallery is perfect for anyone looking to admire modern artwork and architecture with plenty of exhibitions and pieces that celebrate both local artists and work from all over the world, creating a cultural journey right on the coast that will transport you to different worlds.
The artwork is complemented by the natural beauty of the sea just outside, with viewpoints throughout the gallery framing the ocean views. One of the best ways to make the trip to the gallery a worthy day out is to pair it with a trip to the beach, soaking up the sun after a couple of hours indoors.
2. Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden
Barbara Hepworth was a leading figure in St Ives’ artistic movement during the mid to late 20th century, becoming so integral to the art world that the home she lived in was converted into a museum celebrating her life and looking back on her work.
Visiting the museum allows guests to be transported back through Hepworth’s life. The garden is still exactly how she had designed it right down to the placement of the sculptures. There’s no need to alter the artist’s grand vision for her home and studio, creating a seamless journey through her work and life.
Visiting the Barbara Hepworth Museum is perfect for those who are a fan of sculpting or are avidly seeking to learn more about the artist. It doesn’t get more comprehensive than coming to the heart of her work in St Ives.
3. Leach Pottery
Founded in 1920, Leach Pottery is another celebration of the artistic endeavours of a local artist, keeping the art scene in St Ives grounded and authentic. This museum was the original home of the potter Bernard Leach where he worked alongside fellow artist Shoji Hamada.
Since its inception, the studio has always been a place that welcomes students and craftsmen who want to learn the art of pottery, with classes and workshops held for people of all ages to learn pottery techniques and hone their skills. Their courses are also welcoming to beginners and amateurs encouraging them to discover a new passion or take their basic skills further.
The museum has two exhibition spaces, the Cube Gallery and the Entrance Gallery where visitors can learn the history of the studio and explore the exhibitions celebrating modern pottery from exhibition artists such as Lisa Hammond while also looking back on the crafts of the very first students.
5. Porthminster Gallery
Award-winning Porthminster Gallery is a celebration of Cornish artists as well as other artists from around the nation with carefully curated exhibitions designed to immerse visitors in the world of British art and leave them feeling fulfilled.
Just a few minutes walk away from the Barbara Hepworth Museum, Porthminster Gallery offers an opportunity for art enthusiasts to expand on their artistic day out and explore the exhibitions on offer here.
Exhibitions run constantly throughout the year with all local art being given the showcase it deserves from painters and printmakers to ceramicists and sculptors, making it the perfect excursion for anyone who loves modern art paired with gorgeous coastal views.
6. The Mariner’s Gallery
One of two galleries that are a part of the St Ives’ Society of Artists, The Mariner’s Gallery showcases the work of the members of the Society, cultivating a celebration of local work that creates a unique experience that cannot be discovered anywhere else.
The Gallery is situated in the main part of the old Mariners Church, creating a charming and attractive exhibition space that doubles as the perfect home for the exquisite artworks on display while also placing visitors in the heart of St Ives’ storied history.
7. The Crypt Gallery
The Crypt Gallery is the sister gallery to the Mariner’s Gallery, also owned by St Ives’ Society of Artists. The Crypt is a rental space where visiting artists who aren’t members can showcase their art.
The Crypt Gallery celebrates local and international artists, creating a home for global culture in the heart of St Ives, enriching the town and providing a rewarding visit for those who want to experience what it truly means to be at the heart of Cornwall’s artistic culture.
The Crypt rose to prominence in the 1940s by becoming the home of prolific artists including Barbara Hepworth, Ben Nicholson, Peter Lanyon and Sven Berlin, steeping the gallery in the town’s rich history and providing a much-coveted space for artists to rent and visitors to explore.
Museums in St Ives
Aside from the galleries, St Ives also has a rich history, not least of which includes its mining lineage and fishing past with its museums providing deep dives into St Ives’ history whether it be on land or at sea.
1. St Ives Museum
Situated right in the heart of town, St Ives Museum is a cultural tribute to all the things that have made St Ives great over the years.
It is a treasure trove of information and artefacts that encourages a deep delve into St Ives’ history with a strong focus that immerses visitors into the town, encouraging them to discover the secrets of every street and stretch of coast and leave them with a new impression of the town after their visit.
You can find everything here from ironmongery and World War II artefacts to rooms dedicated to learning how to cook on a traditional Cornish Slab, visiting the original Pilchard Press and learning more about St Ives’ mining and fishing past.
2. Captain Sir Richard Francis Burton Museum
Lauded as the only museum in the world to provide an intimate focus into the historical figure, the Captain Sir Richard Francis Burton Museum examines the Victorian explorer’s life and accomplishments. There are 28 exhibits, including some originally owned by Burton, creating a tight narrative journey through his exploits.
The museum is located in a private residence in the heart of St Ives, making it easily accessible while touring the town and ensuring you get a once-in-a-lifetime experience that may very well result in you becoming an unexpected expert on the famous explorer’s life.
You’re never short on galleries and museums when you visit St Ives and there’s no better way to experience the town at its finest than when you’re pairing the galleries with the gorgeous coastal views – or better yet when the galleries celebrate its coastal influences themselves, offering new perspectives on the Cornish coast that visitors and locals alike can enjoy.
And after a day spent immersing yourself in art and scenery, why not retreat to one of our charming cottages in St Ives? Whether you’re looking for a cosy seaside hideaway or a spacious retreat with panoramic views, our cottages offer the perfect base for exploring everything this beautiful town has to offer.
