Henry Moore Studios & Gardens in Hertfordshire is currently closed for winter, reopening in April 2025.

Henry Moore Institute reopening on 12 July

25 June 2024

Henry Moore Institute

Architect's plan of the new reception area at the Henry Moore Institute

We’re delighted to be reopening on the 12 July 2024, following the first major refurbishment in our 30-year history.

About the refurbishment

We’ve been temporarily closed since November 2023. In that time, our Grade II listed building has undergone significant internal enhancements to ensure the space is more accessible, welcoming and engaging for visitors.

The Henry Moore Institute was designed in the early 1990s by Dixon Jones, and was the first purpose-built sculpture gallery in the UK.

Responding to growth in visitor numbers since then, our revamped building 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.

External view of the Henry Moore Institute, c.1993. Photo: Richard Bryant.

Architect's plan of the new library reception at the Henry Moore Institute. Image courtesy Group Ginger.

We’ve been working with Leeds-based Group Ginger architects, with renovations including a focus on creating more inviting spaces. The entrance area has new seating and an enhanced shop, and the ‘alcove’ area has been refreshed to encourage visitors to enjoy free, creative drop-in activities during their visit.

For researchers, an improved 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 have been installed to continue our commitment to sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint.

“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.”

Laurence Sillars, Head of the Henry Moore Institute

Architect's plan of the enhanced 'alcove' area at the Henry Moore Institute. Image courtesy Group Ginger.

What you can see when we reopen

We’re relaunching with the first solo exhibition in a European institution by Hany Armanious, one of Australia’s leading sculptors, alongside a display bringing together the work of contemporary artist Hew Locke and 19^th 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).