The former Chapel and School Room sit right in the heart of Penryn Town Centre. Photo taken pre-refurbishment of the School Room.
THE BUILDINGS
Art Centre Penryn is based in the former Penryn Methodist Church and School Room in Penryn Town Centre. We are transforming these heritage buildings into a new creative space to connect people though creative activity, exhibitions, projects, courses, studios, residencies and events.
We have recently completed the major refurbishment of the School Room building. It now provides six artist studios, a shared workspace for freelancers and an art room.
The £340k refurbishment was designed by the RIBA award-winning architectural practice Dow Jones Architects. It includes a new roof, with roof lights and solar panels, generous first floor studio spaces, refurbished walls and sash windows and all new electrics and heating throughout. The result is a range of light-filled and calm spaces, with modern facilities comfortably sitting alongside the beautiful heritage building.
Find out about the history of The School Room HERE
Find out about the history of The Chapel HERE
The project has been funded to date by the UK Government through Cornwall Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Net Zero Fund and Community Levelling Up Fund, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Architectural Heritage Fund.
The School Room, a two-storey granite building behind the chapel, has a new roof and solar panels. Internal refurbishment has provided 6 artist studios, a workspace and art room.
The School Room
The project to repair and repurpose the School Room started on site in September 2024 and was completed in April 2025.
The art room is now open for courses, events and more! Find out about courses here
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Before and After photos of the school room
North roof - before
South roof - before
The ground floor room - before
The first floor - before
North roof - after, showing the repaired roof, new slates and rooflights.
South roof - after, with new roof, gutters and solar panels
The ground floor room - after
The first floor - after, now with six artist studios
THE CHAPEL
We’re at the very early stages of work to convert the former chapel into an art gallery. We’ll be sharing the first stages of this work as it happens, join the mailing list to find out more.