The Exchange

For more than 120 years, Newlyn Art Gallery has been bringing the best in contemporary art to audiences in the south west. In 2007 the gallery was redeveloped and we opened a second venue, The Exchange in Penzance. With two venues we are able to offer a wide and varied programme across two sites, showcasing the very best of national and international contemporary art, as well as work by some of the best artists currently working in the region.

At The Exchange our huge gallery is regularly used as a project space in which artists and curators test new ideas. A major contemporary art space, The Exchange enables audiences to see work on a scale never before accessible in the region. It is also used as a venue for live performances, film screenings and community events.

The Exchange has a striking undulating glass façade which runs the entire length of the building, a former telephone exchange. A dramatic, changing light display, designed by Penwith-based artist Peter Freeman illuminates the glass panels according to the exhibitions and time of day and year. At the centre of The Exchange is the large T-shaped Gallery, double the size of Newlyn’s. The unique shape and proportions provide a versatile and welcoming showing space. Retaining much of the industrial feel of the original Telephone Exchange, the Gallery is a noticeable contrast to the Victorian Gallery at Newlyn.

As a dog-friendly venue, we welcome well-behaved dogs.