In a landmark event for art and nature lovers alike, Kew Gardens in London will host the largest exhibition ever staged of Henry Moore’s sculptures next year.
Titled Henry Moore: Monumental Nature, this ambitious show promises to be the most comprehensive presentation of the iconic British sculptor’s work in a generation, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience Moore’s vision as he intended – his monumental works set against the backdrop of living landscapes.
A monumental outdoor showcase by Henry Moore
Thirty of Moore’s most significant large-scale sculptures will be installed across Kew’s sprawling 320-acre UNESCO World Heritage Site, including among the gardens’ iconic vistas and inside the historic Temperate House, the world’s largest surviving Victorian glasshouse.
The exhibition will also feature over 90 additional works including carvings and drawings inside the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art at Kew, spanning the full breadth of Moore’s career.
Simultaneously, Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex, will display further sculptures and newly commissioned pieces from contemporary artists, exploring the ongoing dialogue between art and nature.
Henry Moore’s profound connection to nature
Moore, celebrated as one of the 20th century’s most influential sculptors, is renowned for his abstracted reclining figures and organic forms inspired by bones, stones, and the natural world. He believed that his sculptures responded best to the “organic forms of nature” rather than urban environments, a philosophy that underpins the curation of this exhibition.
Among the highlights will be some of Moore’s most iconic works, including ‘Large Two Forms’, ‘Oval with Points’, ‘Reclining Woman: Elbow’, ‘Locking Piece’, and ‘Three Piece Sculpture: Vertebrae’.
The exhibition is presented in partnership with the Henry Moore Foundation, which is lending most of the artworks. This collaboration ensures that visitors will encounter both major and rarely seen pieces, offering fresh perspectives on Moore’s lifelong engagement with the natural world.
How to get tickets to see Henry Moore’s sculptures at Kew
Ticket details are yet to be announced, but Kew has confirmed that there will be affordable options, including a £1 ticket for Universal Credit recipients and a £10 ticket for visitors aged 16-29. Visitors are encouraged to monitor the Kew Gardens website for updates on ticket availability.