The Exchange is a major contemporary art space in the centre of Penzance that opened in 2007 in conjunction with renovations to Newlyn Art Gallery. Together the galleries present contemporary work in all media by regional, national and international artists, with a programme of events, activities and education.
Formerly the town’s telephone exchange, the huge space retains the original industrial feel of the building and features a large t-shaped gallery and a striking glass facade that runs the entire length of the building. It is well suited to installation and social participation projects and its international reputation allows it to bring some of the best art being produced around the globe to Cornwall.
The Exchange is located off historic Chapel Street, within easy walking distance of the bus and train stations. There is a well-stocked gift shop plus a café serving snacks and light lunches.
Well behaved dogs are welcome, but may not be allowed in the exhibition spaces during certain times.
For details of exhibitions and events visit the website.
OPEN 10.00 – 17.00 TUE – SAT (Winter) and 7 DAYS (summer)
ADMISSION
£4.50 (incl Gift Aid donation) for a seven-day pass to both venues. Free entry for Patrons, Supporters, & U18s
Actions To Date:
- Paper bags
- Paper straws
- Jute bags
- No takeaway cutlery
- Cake domes
- No plastic drinks bottles
- Coffee refills
- Water refills
- Compostable coffee cups
- Refill coffee cup scheme
- Refill cleaning products
- Refill soap
- Local suppliers to cut plastic packaging and product miles
- Community Ally – building community composter for local businesses, support Plastic Free PZ events
Proposed action:
- Purchasing a steam cleaner to cut cleaning products
- Organising a community refill coffee cup scheme
- Stopping using national drinks’ suppliers like Coca Cola
“It’s important to support the economy locally. Local companies tend to have a more eco-response; they tend to be organic and better quality, so the product for the consumer is better. It reduces miles, certainly there are no air miles, and they tend to be plastic free. It just makes more sense.
“The gallery has been here well over 100 years and is seated in the community, but the art we show isn’t always to everyone’s taste … so it’s good to do other things. The cafe has always been a community hub and we’ve got a strong focus in the shop on local makers. To work with the community and other businesses and restaurants just makes sense.”