Henry Moore Foundation Opens New Gallery at Historic Artist Home

The Henry Moore Foundation in Hertfordshire, England, has opened a newly redesigned gallery space at Hoglands, the former home and studio of sculptor Henry Moore. The project transforms an old agricultural barn into a modern exhibition and education space while preserving the character of the original site.

The new gallery, known as the Sheep Field Barn, was redesigned to serve both as an exhibition hall and a place for workshops and public programs. The opening exhibition focuses on Moore’s wartime “Shelter Drawings,” a series of works created during the Second World War that helped establish his international reputation.

Architects working on the project used reclaimed materials and sustainable insulation, including sheep’s wool, to reflect Moore’s interest in natural materials and practical construction. Solar panels and energy-efficient lighting were also added to make the building suitable for long-term public use.

The Hoglands site has always been an important part of Moore’s story. He moved there in 1940 to escape London during the war and remained for the rest of his life. Today the property includes his house, studios, sculpture garden, and archive, all preserved as part of the foundation.

Visitors to the new gallery can now experience exhibitions in a space designed to feel connected to Moore’s working environment rather than separated from it. The foundation says the goal is to make the site more useful for schools, students, and visitors who want to understand how the artist actually worked.

The opening of the new gallery is part of a wider effort to keep historic artist homes active as cultural spaces instead of turning them into static memorials. Future exhibitions and outdoor installations are planned throughout the year.

The project shows how museum sites connected to artists can continue to grow while still respecting the original setting, something the Henry Moore Foundation has tried to balance carefully with this renovation.