In 2003 it became clear that the 1895 Gallery building in Newlyn, St. Ives needed a face lift and so, management at the Newlyn Art Gallery approached the RIBA to aid them in the process of selecting an architect for the refurbishment of the Gallery as well as the conversion of the ground floor of the Exchange building in Penzance, Cornwall.

The competition brief sought architects with sensitivity, flair and vision for this project and the final selection would be made by means of a competitive interview. The competition attracted a total of 58 expressions of interest of which 5 were invited to the second stage interviews. MUMA (McInnes Usher McKnight Architects) were announced as winners in September 2003.

The extension to the Newlyn Art Gallery offers a clear uninterrupted view of the sea through the fully glazed entrance and sits on an exposed concrete table. Upstairs, the existing art gallery has been carefully restored and has a magnificent sea view framed by a single long window with a narrow slot to the sky. The building was officially opened to the public in July 2007.

Awards

RIBA Award 2008

FX International Design Awards 2007 – Best Museum of Gallery Space

Named as one of the Top 50 Buildings of the Millennium by Channel 4 and the Architects Journal 2007