Art & Sculpture

Art & Sculpture in Wakefield

Wakefield is the UK’s unofficial city of sculpture – and for good reason. The birthplace of 20th-century artists Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth, and a hub for culture and creativity in the region, the district is the only place outside London to host two Art Fund Museum of the Year Award-winning galleries.

The Hepworth Wakefield, on Wakefield city’s historic waterfront, and Yorkshire Sculpture Park, a short ride away amid 500 acres of rolling countryside, are both recipients of the prestigious award, and both present a stunning range of exhibitions by some of art and sculpture’s most renowned practitioners. Nestled in the city centre, The Art House – lovingly known as the “house that art built” champions the work of new and emerging artists in an ever-evolving programme.

There’s nothing like seeing art in a new light – follow the Wakefield Sculpture Trail around the city centre, or discover art in surprising locations on the city’s bi-monthly ArtWalk. Meanwhile, Our Year‘s ambitious Crossings & Gateways project aims to deliver a programme of murals and sculptures within communities across the district – here in Wakefield, we believe art is for everyone, everywhere.

If all of this has inspired you, you’re definitely in the right place – our creative spirit means we encourage everyone to get stuck in and have a go – the district is jam-packed with craft sessions and workshops, from clay and crochet to metalworking, neon art and everything in between!

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Yorkshire Sculpture Park is an international sculpture park set in idyllic landscape in the heart of Yorkshire. With 500 acres of grounds to explore, over 100 outdoor sculptures, several indoor galleries, delicious food and drink and award-winning shops, there is an abundance of inspiration and experience to be enjoyed.

The largest sculpture park of its kind in Europe, Yorkshire Sculpture Park has worked with over 1000 artists from more than 40 countries since it was founded in 1977, and is the only place in the world to see Barbara Hepworth’s The Family of Man in its entirety.

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The Hepworth Wakefield

The Hepworth Wakefield is an award-winning art gallery in the heart of Yorkshire, set within Wakefield’s historic waterfront overlooking the River Calder. Designed by the acclaimed David Chipperfield Architects, the gallery opened in May 2011.

Named after Barbara Hepworth, one of the most important artists of the 20th century, who was born and brought up in Wakefield, the gallery presents major exhibitions of the best international modern and contemporary art and has dedicated galleries exploring Hepworth’s art and working process.

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The Art House

The Art House provides time, space and support for artists, makers and creative businesses to develop their practice. It is a place where artists and audiences of all kinds are welcome to engage with the creative process through a year-round programme of exhibitions and events.

The Art House manages more than 50 accessible artists studios, hosting a wide variety of artists, makers, and creative businesses. In their building, you’ll also find exhibition spaces, on-site accessible accommodation for creatives, a shop and a coffee house.

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Wakefield Sculpture Trail

The Wakefield Sculpture Trail is a series of sculptures across the city, offering a unique opportunity for everyone to experience and enjoy world-class art. Each artist has created a work especially for the place, its history and communities.

A series of sculptures was commissioned for the city in 2023. The series offers a unique opportunity for everyone to experience and enjoy world-class art. All of the artists have strong connections to Wakefield and the local area, and each artist has created a work especially for the place, its history and communities.

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