Visit Penlee House & Museum

Penlee House is a gallery, museum, cafe and shop. Situated within Penlee Park, a space to reflect and great for family visits.

Click on the links on the right to find out more.

A space for exhibitions & events

Alongside our Exhibition programme we run a variety of community events and workshops. The Newlyn School and Social history galleries change often. Find out what’s on.

Click on the links on the right to find out more.

A space to learn

Penlee House is committed to lifelong learning. We run workshops for all age groups and offer a school workshop programme.

Click on the links on the right to find out more.

A space for all

Built in 1865, as the home of the Branwell family. Penlee House is home to many paintings by members of the Newlyn School. It is also home to the Penzance Natural History and Antiquarian Society collection.

Click on the links on the right to find out more.

You can search and browse our collections online. We also have a section dedicated to the Newlyn School.

Social History Display: John Willie Matthewman

When 29 July to 31 August 2026
Painting of a coastal cliffside with rugged, sunlit rock formations. The blue sea sparkles below, and seagulls fly near the water, conveying tranquillity.

From 29 July to 31 August, the upstairs Local History Gallery will feature a small display of paintings by John Willie Matthewman (1877–1947).

Born in Sheffield, Matthewman moved to Penberth in 1928 and spent many years painting the landscapes and coastline of West Cornwall. His work reflects a close familiarity with the area, capturing places that remain recognisable today.

Although not as widely known as some of his contemporaries, Matthewman exhibited with the Newlyn Society of Artists in 1937, and one of his paintings was accepted for exhibition at the Royal Academy, London, the following year.

Curated by Gordon Matthewman, a descendant of the artist, this selection of works offers a rare opportunity to see paintings displayed close to the landscapes in which they were created, providing a glimpse into the artistic and social history of the area.

Usual admission charges apply.

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About

Visit Us

Penlee House is a beautiful art gallery and museum, set within sub-tropical gardens, with a great café.

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Welcome to  Penlee House Gallery & Museum

Exhibitions

Our vibrant exhibition programme celebrates the nationally important art and history of West Cornwall.

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Learning

Learning

From school visits to family activities, talks and walks, there are plenty of learning opportunities at Penlee House.

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Welcome to  Penlee House Gallery & Museum

Friends of Penlee

Join the Friends and help Penlee House to maintain its work and enhance its collections.

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