THE EXCHANGE
The Exchange is a large contemporary gallery space in the centre of Penzance. It is located on Princes Street, off Chapel Street.
The gallery has a long, segmented glass façade which occupies almost the entire length of one side of the street.
On the opposite side of the street is a row of disabled parking bays, with room for nine cars. There is room for one mobility scooter inside the reception. Our Front of House team can guide you.
The entrance is halfway along the building façade, and comprises of two tall steel and glass doors. They are very heavy, but one leaf is always secured in the open position during opening hours. By the door, there is a drop curb enabling access from the carriageway.
The doorway provides level access to our shop and reception area.
Our reception area is bright and painted yellow and white. The floor is grey.
The area is busy with displays of shop merchandise. Straight ahead is a long, low, white reception counter, which is always staffed, often by volunteers. They will direct you to all parts of the building, including, to your right, the single large exhibition gallery, our Ramp Wall display area and Café, and to your left The Engine Room and toilets.
A wheelchair is available in the reception area for visitors to make use of, if they wish.
All parts of the building are on one level, with a number of long, low ramps enable easy access. Hand rails are provided on both sides of all ramped areas.
ROUTE TO THE ENGINE ROOM FROM RECEPTION:
The Engine Room is reached via a long ramp that runs to the right, and behind the Reception counter. Staff will be on hand to direct you.
At the top of the ramp, and to the left are a large set of double doors which provide access to The Engine Room.
THE ENGINE ROOM
The Engine Room is a large, white, rectangular space with a high ceiling, and grey floor. A full-height, street-level window runs the entire length of one side. Blinds can be used to provide complete privacy, if required.
On the facing wall is a long low bench, designed to accommodate up to 30 children or adults. There are also high shelves displaying artwork and other items.
The short wall, to your right as you enter, has a large built-in monitor on it. The opposite wall has two doors leading to store rooms and two built-in sinks, which are usually complete hidden away.
Tables and chairs can be arranged in the space to accommodate groups’ needs, or the space can be left empty.
The Engine Room was recently refitted to provide a space suitable for running blended workshops. We have speakers, acoustic panels, daylight projector and large monitor all built into the space. Additional audio visual equipment is available too, if required.
We have a short film on our website which shows The Engine Room.
ROUTE TO THE EXCHANGE CAFÉ FROM RECEPTION:
The Exchange café is accessed via the long ramp to the right as you enter. This ramp has a handrail. Staff will be on hand to direct you.
THE EXCHANGE CAFÉ
The Exchange Café is a large open space with high ceilings and grey floors. Windows run along the entire right wall from floor to ceiling. There are no blinds in this area of the building. The café is comprised of several seating areas including table and chairs, two lower sofas and four soft arm chairs. There is a kids corner in the far left corner. Music played in the café during opening times. During hot weather two floor fans are on.
We have a short film on our website which shows The Exchange Café. You can view it here
ROUTE TO THE EXHIBITION ROOM FROM RECEPTION:
The exhibition room is accessed either via the stairs to the right of reception or the long ramp on your right as you enter, with the entrance adjacent to the café. The two doors are large glass and heavy, staff will be on hand to assist and direct you.
TOILETS
Five gender-neutral toilets are located immediately adjacent to The Engine Room. One is fully accessible and includes baby change facilities.
Assistance dogs are welcomed. Water bowls for dogs are available on request.