Henry Moore Institute reopens after refurbishment

The Henry Moore Institute in Leeds first opened in April 1993

The Henry Moore Institute in Leeds has reopened to the public after undergoing a major refurbishment project.

The venue, next to Leeds Art Gallery, has been closed since November in order to improve accessibility and update facilities.

First opened in 1993, the institute on The Headrow is a centre for the study of sculpture, an art gallery and research library.

Laurence Sillars, the institute's head, said he hoped the alterations would allow it to welcome more visitors.

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

A new welcome area has been created in the entrance as part of the renovations, with improvements made to the research library reception and the seminar room.

The roof of the institute has been replaced and fitted with solar panels.

“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," Mr Sillars said.

"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.”

The institute is part of the Henry Moore Foundation, a charity founded by the sculptor and his family in 1977 to encourage public appreciation of the visual arts.

The first events at the newly-reopened venue include a solo exhibition by Australian sculptor Hany Armanious and a display of work by contemporary artist Hew Locke alongside 19th Century sculptor Mary Thornycroft.

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