Penzance announces bid to become first UK Town of Culture
Posted on 6th February 2026
Originally built in 1865, Penlee House today is a first-class gallery and museum in the heart of Penzance, located in Penlee Park.
It specialises in exhibits focused on the area’s unique cultural heritage and incorporates the historic collections of Penzance Town Council, Cornwall Council, and the Newlyn Art Gallery.
Penlee offers a range of family activities, volunteering opportunities and workshops for adults and children.
It is also home to The Orangery Café, which serves a selection of hot and cold non-alcoholic drinks, home-baked cakes and scones.
Following a renovation project, funded by a Penzance Town Deal Enterprise Grant, the old Coach House building in the park has been transformed into a welcoming cafe space for visitors and locals alike. The Coach House Cafe serves a wide range of breakfasts, lunches, soups, and daily specials.
Penlee House is currently open Monday to Saturday, including Bank Holidays.
1 April to 31 October
10.00am – 5.00pm
(last admission 4.30pm)
1 November to 31 March
10.00am – 4.30pm
(last admission 4.00pm)
Penlee House will be open on Sundays from 28 June to 27 September 2026.
You can find out more about current exhibitions, admission prices, group bookings, and school visits by visiting the Penlee House Gallery & Museum website.
The historic building of Penlee House needs urgent work. We need your support to raise the money needed. The roof, parts of it over 150 years old, can no longer withstand the levels of rainfall. With our changing climate, this will only get worse.
Penlee House holds some of the finest works of art from the Newlyn School, and we cannot put them at risk of damage. We have a fundraising target of £90,000. This will enable us to repair and replace the roof and guttering.
We need your help, please donate and keep a much-loved Penzance landmark safe.
You can also donate when you pop into Penlee House using their contactless donation station or by speaking to our friendly shop staff and making a donation by cash, cheque or card.
Or you can donate by text:
(Texts will cost your donation amount + a standard network message charge)
Fundraising, payments and donations will be processed and administered by the National Funding Scheme, operating as DONATE, a charity registered in England and Wales (1149800) and Scotland (SC045106). For Terms & Conditions, see Terms & Conditions of Use (nationalfundingscheme.org).
Penlee House is owned and operated by Penzance Council, with all key decisions on management taken by the Arts & Culture Committee.
The Friends is an independent Registered Charity formed in 1987 with the object of supporting Penlee House Gallery and Museum in its cultural and educational activities.
