Museums and galleries in Cornwall

This collection spans Cornwall's industrial and cultural landscape, from the UNESCO-listed tin mines of Geevor and Levant to the maritime history of Falmouth. Visitors can explore Porthcurno’s role in global communications, the smuggling lore of Jamaica Inn and Polperro, and the marine conservation efforts at Padstow’s lobster hatchery. Artistic highlights include contemporary works at Kestle Barton and the Falmouth Art Gallery. Architectural landmarks range from the Tudor defenses of Pendennis Castle to the 1930s Arthurian halls in Tintagel and the Georgian elegance of Lawrence House.

Cornwall's Museums and Galleries — Map

Ahwmay / Public domain

A

Geevor Tin Mine

Geevor Tin Mine, formerly North Levant Mine is a tin mine in the far west of Cornwall, England, between the villages of Pendeen and…

Nilfanion / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Levant Mine and Beam Engine

Levant Mine and Beam Engine is a National Trust property at Trewellard, Pendeen, near St Just, Cornwall, England, UK.

Public domain

C

Porthcurno Telegraph Museum

PK Porthcurno is a museum located in the small coastal village of Porthcurno Cornwall, UK.

Vernon39 / Public domain

D

National Maritime Museum Cornwall

The National Maritime Museum, Cornwall is located in a harbourside building at Falmouth in Cornwall, England.

Vernon39 / Public domain

E

Falmouth Art Gallery

Falmouth Art Gallery is a publicly funded art gallery in Cornwall, with one of the leading art collections in Cornwall and southwest…

Michelle Harding / CC-BY-SA

F

Pendennis Castle Museum

Housed within Henry VIII's coastal fortress, this museum showcases the site's history from the 16th century through World War II, featuring historic artillery and interactive displays on coastal defense.

Dave Goodman / CC BY 2.0

G

Jamaica Inn

The Jamaica Inn is a traditional inn on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall in the UK, which was built as a coaching inn in 1750, and has a historical…

Ian Cunliffe / CC BY-SA 2.0

H

Polperro Heritage Museum of Smuggling & Fishing

Located in an old fish processing house, this museum documents the village's history of smuggling and its commercial fishing industry through photographic records and 18th-century artifacts.

TabstheCat / PD

I

Morwellham Quay

Morwellham Quay is an historic river port in Devon, England that developed to support the local mines.

J

King Arthur's Great Halls

A Grade II* listed building constructed in the 1930s, featuring 72 stained glass windows illustrating Arthurian legends and a throne room built from Cornish granite.

K

Lawrence House Museum

Lawrence House is a Georgian townhouse in Launceston, Cornwall. Built in 1753, the house is a National Trust property and a Grade II* listed…

L

National Lobster Hatchery

A marine conservation center in Padstow focused on the research and replenishment of local lobster populations. Visitors can observe young lobsters in various stages of development.

M

The Great Atlantic Gallery

An art space in St Just showcasing contemporary paintings, sculpture, and ceramics from artists across the South West and the Atlantic fringe.

N

Nancherow Studio

A contemporary art studio and exhibition space located in St Just, showcasing regional paintings and mixed media works.

O

Kestle Barton

A rural art gallery and garden set in a restored ancient farmstead near the Helford River, hosting a rotating program of contemporary exhibitions and outdoor installations.

Other Lists

Cornwall's Absolute Essentials Editor's Choice Cornwall Cornwall's Coastal Gems Cornwall's Heritage Trail Cornwall's Castles and Ruins Cornwall's Ancient Wonders Historic Religious Sites Viewpoints and Peaks Enchanting Gardens