Artists have been coming to St Ives since the early 1800s. Turner arrived in St Ives in 1811 on a mission to capture the essence of our beautiful and rugged South West. Turner managed to capture the unique pink light that St Ives is blessed with. His masterpieces became the inspiration for thousands to make the same pilgrimage in search of that same pink light and that he would be the catalyst in creating the vibrant and influential art colony of St Ives. Check out below a small sample of points of interest that we think are definite places to visit whilst staying in St Ives.
Tate Gallery
Perched above Porthmeor Beach, Tate St Ives celebrates the town’s rich artistic heritage and its role in shaping modern British art. Originally opened in June 1993, the gallery’s distinctive circular design reflects the site’s former gasworks. Due to its immense popularity—welcoming an average of 240,000 visitors annually—an ambitious expansion was granted in 2013. Following a major £20 million extension and refurbishment, the gallery reopened on 14th October 2017, offering an enhanced visitor experience with more space to showcase world-class exhibitions.
For the first time, admission to Tate St Ives allows visitors to explore the history of modern art in St Ives through a dedicated display. Key artists who lived and worked in the town are now given a permanent presence, their works contextualized within international art movements. From the unique perspective of St Ives, the gallery connects local creativity with global artistic influences, offering a fresh and inspiring journey through 20th-century art.
Details
Porthmeor Beach, St Ives
01736 796226
Barbara Hepworth Museum
Gallery set in the studio and gardens of the late Dame Barbara Hepworth- internationally renowned sculptor known for her brave, often monolithic carvings and bronze works inspired by the landscape around St Ives.
Examples of her work can also be admired whilst wondering around the town- look out for them at The Malakoff (bus station), The Guildhall, Trewyn Gardens etc.
Details
Barnoon Hill, St Ives
01736 796226
St Ives Arts Club
Westcotts Quay
The atmospheric Arts Club was established in 1890 as a members' club and as such continues to offer a host of entertainment, music and exhibitions in the original harbourside venue.
Leach Pottery
Founded in 1920 by Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada, the Leach Pottery was restored in 2008 to continue their legacy and is among the most respected and influential studio potteries in the world.
Over the last hundred years, it has forged the shape of studio pottery production in the UK and beyond. Scores of potters, students and apprentices from across the world have come to the Leach Pottery to train, creating a unique international environment in the heart of Cornwall and maintaining the pottery's creative principle of East/West exchange.
Details
Higher Stennack
01736 799703
Goonzoyle Pottery
Pottery Experiences
Learn to throw on a potter’s wheel or create using hand-building techniques.
One of your pieces will be completed/fired and posted to your UK address of choice.
All ages & beginners welcome
Daytime workshops: Monday – Friday 10-12:30pm & 2-4:30pm
Evenings: on arrangement
£25 per person
Details
Nr Kehelland, Camborne
St Ives Museum
Situated in the old fishing quarter of St Ives and overlooking St Ives Bay is St Ives' best-kept secret. A plethora of artefacts and photographs relating to St Ives' history of fishing, smuggling and mining.
Details
Wheal DreamSt Ives School of Painting
Established in 1938 and set in the historic Porthmeor Studios which form part of the seawall on Porthmeor beach with fish cellars below, the school is currently undergoing major refurbishment to bring it back to its former glory. Quality teaching in an inspiring location continues
Details
Porthmeor Square
Back Road West
01736 797180
