Kew Gardens to Showcase Largest Outdoor Exhibition of Henry Moore Sculptures

Kew Gardens, located in London, is set to host the largest outdoor exhibition dedicated to the renowned sculptor Henry Moore, featuring a significant collection of his works from May to September 2026. This exhibition, titled "Henry Moore: Monumental Nature," will include 30 of Moore's monumental sculptures displayed across the extensive 130-hectare landscape of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, alongside 90 additional works housed in the Shirley Sherwood Gallery. This initiative reflects Moore's belief that sculpture is best appreciated in open air and natural settings rather than confined to architectural structures.

The exhibition is the result of a collaboration with the Henry Moore Foundation, which is lending the majority of the pieces. According to Sebastiano Barassi, the foundation’s head of collections, Moore favored natural environments over urban landscapes, asserting that his organic sculptures resonated more profoundly within natural contexts. "We’re trying to show visitors that close connection," Barassi stated, emphasizing the importance of Moore's affinity for nature.

Among the featured sculptures will be several of Moore’s iconic reclining figures and more abstract works, such as "Large Two Forms." Barassi remarked that while Moore was often hesitant to label his art as abstract, he believed that a connection to nature was intrinsic to all his creations. Many of his pieces were inspired by natural objects, which he transformed into sculptural forms. "It’s clearly organic in inspiration, evoking rocky formations with spaces through which the landscape can be viewed," Barassi explained.

Moore, who passed away in 1986, had a profound connection with the outdoors, often experimenting with how his works interacted with the sky and trees after relocating to Hertfordshire in 1940. This upcoming exhibition marks a significant expansion from a previous 2007 showcase that was limited to select areas within Kew Gardens. Paul Denton, Kew's director of creative programmes, highlighted the intention of reaching a broader audience, stating, "We’re extending our reach of who comes to us, so the idea that we can draw people who may never have encountered Moore before is really important."

Denton further elaborated on the exhibition's design, noting that the monumental sculptures would interact beautifully with the Kew landscape. He expressed that encountering these large artworks would encourage visitors to perceive the environment differently, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world. "When there’s a sculptural work or intervention, you might see that site differently – and that’s what we want to do really," he said.

Moore’s commitment to nature is encapsulated in his own words: "Nature is inexhaustible. Not to look at and use nature in one’s own work is unnatural to me." This exhibition not only celebrates Moore's artistic legacy but also aligns with contemporary issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss, encouraging a dialogue about environmental stewardship through art.