Although the opening exhibitions in The Exchange, Penzance - Eloisa Cartonera's collection of cardboard boxes and Hassan Hajjaj's chill-out room from a Morrocan supermarket - and Christine Borland's somewhat grisly arms and legs in Newlyn Art Gallery, blew up a storm of protest from the public rather than howls of pleasure, the buildings themselves have now been listed, in association with Architect's Journal, in Channel 4's Top 50 Buildings of the Millennium.

An honour, it is said, which recognises the fact that the London-based architects MUMA, responsible for the renovation and refurbishment of the buildings, "developed remarkable solutions to the challenges posed by each site. The kudos of not one but two plaudits ensures that the galleries, which opened in July of this year, deserve national and international recognition."

The Exchange in Penzance has also received the added distinction from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) of the Town and Country Design Award, given for the best new or renovated workspace.

The director of both The Exchange and Newlyn Art Gallery, James Green, said: "We're delighted The Exchange has been recognised by the RIBA for its contribution to the visual environment in the South West.

"The announcement that both of the galleries now appear on Channel 4's Top 50 Buildings of the Millennium is icing on the cake.

"The galleries have been a long time in coming and this shows once again that Cornwall is not afraid to push the boundaries when it comes to art or architecture."

Other buildings short-listed for the Town and Country award included Paintworks, Bristol (Acanthus Ferguson Mann, Bristol) and Charlton Farm Children's Hospice, Wraxall (Lacey Hickie Caley, Exeter).

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