News.
The Henry Moore Institute in Leeds to reopen following first major refurbishment in 30-year history
11th July 2024
On 12 July 2024, the Henry Moore Institute will reopen to the public following the first major refurbishment in its 30-year history. Temporarily closed since November 2023, the newly revamped Grade II listed Institute has undergone significant internal enhancements to ensure the space is more accessible, welcoming and engaging for today’s audiences.
Designed in the early 1990s by Dixon Jones, the Henry Moore Institute was the first purpose-built sculpture gallery in the UK. Responding to a growth in visitor numbers, changing audience expectations of a modern cultural venue and the importance of engagement programming with young people, the new Henry Moore Institute features a vibrant new multifunctional learning and engagement facility to host creative workshops, discussions and events and encourage people of all ages to engage with sculpture as learners, thinkers and makers.
Working with Leeds-based Group Ginger architects, the renovations include a focus on more inviting spaces for visitors. The entrance area has a new welcome area encouraging visitors to stay longer, take a seat and browse the enhanced shop. The ‘alcove’ area on the ground floor has been refreshed to encourage audiences to enjoy free, creative drop-in activities during their visit.
For researchers, an improved Research Library reception on the first floor includes a provision for displays drawn from the library’s special collections. The seminar room will continue to host research events, with increased comfort, including natural light, new seating and upgraded technology.
As part of the development, the Institute’s roof has been replaced and solar panels are installed to continue the Institute’s commitment to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint.
Laurence Sillars, Head of the Henry Moore Institute says
“We are delighted to have made significant changes to our building so that our audiences can continue to grow, access and enjoy our exhibitions, research programmes and our collections. These alterations will bring a significant step-change to how, and where, our programmes are experienced, retaining our world-renowned research facilities while ensuring that young people — our potential great creative thinkers of the future — feel welcome.”
Giving a platform to artists who push the boundaries of sculpture, the Institute’s programme will launch with the first solo exhibition in a European institution by Hany Armanious, one of Australia’s leading sculptors (12 July – 3 November 2024), and a display bringing together the work of contemporary artist Hew Locke and 19th century sculptor Mary Thornycroft. In autumn, the Henry Moore Institute will stage an ambitious group exhibition marking the centenary of surrealism, The Traumatic Surreal (22 November 2024 – 16 March 2025).