Located in the heart of Leeds, England, stands a beacon of contemporary and modern sculpture – the Henry Moore Institute. Named after the renowned British artist Henry Moore, this institution is more than just a museum; it’s an international research centre dedicated to celebrating and studying sculpture.
A Brief History
The Henry Moore Institute was officially opened on 4th April 1982. It was born out of the vision of its namesake, Henry Moore (1898-1986), who is widely considered one of Britain’s most famous sculptors. His work has been exhibited globally and his legacy continues through this institute that he helped establish with his foundation.
Moore had always dreamt about creating an environment where people could explore and appreciate art as much as he did. He believed that sculptures were not only pieces for display but also important historical artefacts that told stories about their creators and societies they came from.
The Building Architecture
The building housing the institute is itself an architectural marvel designed by Jeremy Dixon Edward Jones Architects in 1993. The façade showcases a blend between classic Victorian design elements borrowed from neighbouring buildings combined with modernist aesthetics reflecting its purpose – providing space for showcasing contemporary sculptures.
Collections And Exhibitions
The collections at The Henry Moore Institute are extensive, featuring over 12,000 objects ranging from ancient times to present day artworks including sculptures, maquettes (small scale models used by sculptors), drawings & paintings related to sculpture production process etc., making it one of UK’s largest repositories for such works.
Besides permanent collections which include many works donated or lent by artists themselves or their estates like Hepworth Family Gift Collection among others; there are several temporary exhibitions held throughout year showcasing various aspects related to world history & culture through lens of sculpture.
The Library and Archive
One of the unique features of the Henry Moore Institute is its library and archive. This vast collection includes over 19,000 books, exhibition catalogues, journals, slides, photographs and other archival material relating to sculpture. The library also houses a comprehensive digital database that provides access to thousands of images and documents about sculptures from all over the world.
Educational Programmes
The institute offers a variety of educational programmes for people of all ages. These include workshops for children where they can learn about different types of sculptures and even try their hand at creating one themselves; lectures by renowned artists or scholars in field; guided tours explaining various exhibits etc., making it an ideal place not only for art lovers but also students looking forward to expanding their knowledge in this area.
Visiting The Henry Moore Institute
The institute is located on The Headrow in Leeds city centre next to Leeds Art Gallery. It’s open seven days a week with free entry making it accessible for everyone who wishes to explore world-class art without any barriers. There are facilities available like café & shop selling books related to exhibitions along with souvenirs inspired by works displayed within institution.
In conclusion, whether you’re an art enthusiast wanting to delve deep into study & appreciation of contemporary sculptures or just someone looking forward exploring something new during your visit in Leeds – Henry Moore Institute offers an enriching experience worth checking out!
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of the Henry Moore Institute in Leeds?
The Henry Moore Institute in Leeds generally opens from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Tuesday to Sunday. However, on Wednesdays and Thursdays, it extends its closing time until 8:00 pm. The institute remains closed on Mondays except for bank holidays when it follows regular timings. It’s always advisable to check their official website or contact them directly for any changes in these timings.
What is the history and significance of the Henry Moore Institute?
The Henry Moore Institute is a part of the Henry Moore Foundation which was established by renowned artist, sculptor and Yorkshire native, Sir Henry Spencer Moore in 1977. The institute opened its doors in Leeds city centre in 1982 with an aim to promote appreciation and understanding of sculpture as an art form. It houses one of Europe’s leading centres for research into sculpture and has made significant contributions towards developing scholarship around this subject.
Does the Henry Moore Institute charge admission fees?
No, entry to the main galleries at the Henry Moore Institute is free for all visitors. This includes access to permanent collections as well as temporary exhibitions held at this venue throughout year. However, some special events or workshops may have separate charges so it’s recommended that you enquire about those specifically if interested.
What kind of exhibits can I expect at the Henry Moore Institute?
The exhibits at The Henry Moore Institute primarily focus on sculpture ranging from ancient times right up till contemporary works including both British and international artists’ creations. Apart from showcasing sculptures by various artists including founder Sir Harry Spencer himself; they also conduct several themed exhibitions every year exploring different aspects related to this art form such as materials used or historical periods etc.
Are there any facilities for disabled visitors at the Henry Moore Institute?
Yes, The Henry Moore Institute is fully accessible to wheelchair users with ramps and lifts available throughout the building. They also have wheelchairs that can be borrowed free of charge from their reception desk. Additionally, they provide large print versions of exhibition materials upon request and assistance dogs are welcome too.
