Henry Moore Institute
Henry Moore Institute
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Price
About this place
The Henry Moore Institute is one of the largest sculpture galleries in Europe, sitting right next to Leeds Art Gallery in the city centre where Henry Moore himself began his training. It is worth knowing before you visit that this is not a museum of Henry Moore's own work, but an institute he founded to advance the study and appreciation of sculpture more broadly. There are three spaces for temporary exhibitions, and the programme spans contemporary and historical sculpture from around the world.
The building also houses an extensive sculpture research library and an archive of sculptors' papers, both of which are open to the public as well as researchers. A connecting bridge links the Institute directly to Leeds Art Gallery, so it is easy to move between the two. The galleries are open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, and entry is free.
The Institute has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and accessible toilets, making it straightforward to visit with a pushchair or with anyone who has mobility needs. It is a calm, indoor space that suits families who enjoy art and want something a little different from a standard museum visit.
Plan your visit
Check the venue website for tickets, opening times and updates.
Photos
Facilities
What to bring
- Reusable water bottle
- Quiet activity or sketchbook for children
- Comfortable flat shoes for gallery walking
- Pushchair if needed (wheelchair-accessible entrance confirmed)
- Library card or notebook if visiting the research library
Top tips
- Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am; closed Mondays, so plan accordingly.
- Entry is free, so no need to budget ahead for the gallery itself.
- Don't expect Henry Moore's own work here; it's a sculpture institute, not a retrospective.
- Use the connecting bridge from Leeds Art Gallery next door to move between both easily.
- The research library is open Tuesday to Friday and Saturday afternoons, great for curious older kids.
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance and toilets make it straightforward with a pushchair too.
Age range
It is particularly engaging for children aged 5–12 via dedicated, hands-on "SculptED" workshops, while younger children (ages 3-4) can enjoy interactive, tailored activity bags.