The partition algebra P(q) is a generalization both of the Brauer algebra and the Temperley–Lieb algebra for q-state n-site Potts models, underpining their transfer matrix formulation on the arbitrary transverse lattices. We prove that for arbitrary field k and any element q∈ k the partition algebra P(q) is always cellular in the sense of Graham and Lehrer. Thus the representation theory of P(q) can be determined by applying the developed general representation theory on cellular algebras and symmetric groups. Our result also provides an explicit structure of P(q) for arbitrary field and implies the well-known fact that the Brauer algebra D(q) and the Temperley–Lieb algebra TL(q) are cellular.