Henry Moore sculptures to go on display at Kew and Wakehurst

Opening at Kew Gardens in May, Henry Moore: Monumental Nature will feature 30 of Henry Moore’s works across the gardens and inside the Temperate House and will run until 27th September.

Works on display across Kew Gardens’ 320-acre UNESCO World Heritage Site will include Large Two Forms, Oval with Points, Reclining Woman: Elbow, Locking Piece and Three Piece Sculpture: Vertebrae.

Henry Moore: Monumental Nature will look at Moore’s work in the context of the climate and biodiversity crisis as well as the role of humans within ecosystems. It will also feature some lesser-known works, rarely seen by the public.

An exhibition in Kew’s Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art will feature more than 90 works, including bronzes, stone and wood carvings, prints and drawings exploring Henry Moore’s creative process. A selection of items from Kew’s collections and works on loan from major British collections, including Tate and the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, will also feature.

Paul Denton, director of creative programmes and exhibitions at RBG Kew, said: “Almost two decades after Kew’s last major exhibition dedicated to Henry Moore we’re delighted to be collaborating once again with the Henry Moore Foundation to present Monumental Nature in 2026.

“This new exhibition will invite visitors to engage deeply with Moore’s artistic inspirations, revealing how his work was shaped by the scientific and natural discoveries unfolding during his lifetime. His enduring interest in placing the human figure within the landscape speaks to our timeless and shared connection with the natural world, something which feels more pertinent today than ever before.”

Henry Moore at Wakehurst

Another exhibition, Henry Moore and more, will run simultaneously at Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in West Sussex from 5th June until 27th September.

Four of Henry Moore’s creations will feature, alongside newly commissioned pieces from contemporary artists, curated in partnership with the Henry Moore Institute.

Eva Owen, programme manager at Wakehurst, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing four of Moore’s sculptures to Wakehurst as part of Henry Moore and more. The opportunity to commission and display new contemporary pieces from pioneering artists in collaboration with the Henry Moore Institute also allows us a fantastic opportunity to connect Moore’s key motifs of care and connection with the leading lights of contemporary art practice.”

Group visits

Kew Gardens welcomes groups of 15 or more at discounted rates. Private guided walking tours are available, with the choice of 60 and 90-minute tours exploring the history and horticulture of the gardens.

Groups of ten or more can take advantage of discounted tickets to visit Wakehurst. Coach parking is available along with private guided walking tours led by volunteer guides.