Sheep Field Barn at Henry Moore Studios & Gardens will re-open on 1st April 2026 and feature a presentation on the sculptor’s life and work and a changing exhibition programme.
The barn at the former Hertfordshire home and work-place of Henry Moore has undergone a major redevelopment of the gallery space and an extension to the building.
The renovated space will feature a presentation covering the story of the sculptor and his work, celebrating his status and influence in the art world throughout the 20th century. The presentation will highlight key elements of the Henry Moore Foundation’s collection and archive.
A changing exhibition programme will run alongside the presentation and an extension to the building will provide a space to support a programme of drop-in activities, creative events, talks, and tours.
Godfrey Worsdale OBE, director of the Henry Moore Foundation said: “The redevelopment of the Sheep Field Barn will enable us to comprehensively introduce the artist’s life and work as never before.
“Drawing on our unrivalled collections and archives, the new facility will reveal all aspects of Moore’s creative journey through exceptional and rarely seen examples of his work. This will greatly enhance our visitors’ experience of the artist’s house, his remarkable studios and the grounds amongst many of his monumental bronze sculptures.”
Gallery space & exhibitions
Sheep Field Barn will feature exhibition galleries, including a double-height space on the ground floor, suitable for the display of medium- and large-scale works. The first ever permanent exhibition on the life and work of Henry Moore at the Studios & Gardens will be housed in the space, telling the complete story of Moore’s life and career from 1922 to 1984.
The exhibition will feature sculptures from the Henry Moore Foundation Collection, including wood and stone carvings, bronzes and plasters, accompanied by reproduced archive materials such as photographs, diaries, videos and studio materials. Many of the works will be shown at Studios & Gardens for the first time, including Reclining Figure: Circle (1983), one of Moore’s final sculptures.
Upstairs, the renovated gallery will be used to host a programme of changing displays exploring specific aspects of Moore’s art. The first exhibition will focus on the sculptor’s Shelter Drawings, created during World War Two and showing Londoners sheltering in the London Underground during the Blitz.
Extended studios
The building’s new extension will be home to purpose-built learning studios for visitors of all ages to learn and think about Henry Moore’s work and take part in hands-on activities. The studios will also host regular activities including workshops for all ages, community events and expert talks.
Group visits to the Henry Moore Foundation
Sheep Field Barn is part of the Henry Moore Studios & Gardens in Hertfordshire. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 1st April, groups of ten or more can visit at a discounted rate to see the sculpture gardens, studio workshops, Moore family home and more.
Two itineraries are available for pre-booked groups and both include a guided tour of the sculpture gardens, studios, tapestries and current exhibition.
The Henry Moore Institute, containing galleries, an extensive sculpture research library and archive of sculptors papers is located in Leeds, next door to Leeds Art Gallery. Groups can pre-book free guided exhibition tours and creative workshops in the studio, along with self-led visits.
For more information about visiting the Henry Moore Foundation, visit henry-moore.org.
