The Hepworth Wakefield
A stunning modern art gallery celebrated for its architecture, Barbara Hepworth's sculptures, and dynamic contemporary exhibitions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
The Hepworth Wakefield
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning modern art gallery celebrated for its architecture, Barbara Hepworth's sculptures, and dynamic contemporary exhibitions.
"Worth visiting just for the building itself, perfectly combined with its location and superb curated collection."
🎯 Free Entry for Locals!
Wakefield residents and Hepworth Members get in free! :ticket:
🚗 Parking Pains
The car park can be confusing. Plan your route carefully or consider public transport. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Building Itself
Exterior and interior architecture
A stunning modern architectural marvel seamlessly integrated with its riverside surroundings and a charming sculpture garden.
Barbara Hepworth's Legacy
Permanent Collection
Explore the works of the renowned sculptor Barbara Hepworth, after whom the gallery is named.
Rotating Contemporary Exhibitions
Temporary exhibition spaces
Discover thought-provoking and visually striking temporary exhibitions featuring diverse contemporary artists.
Sculpture Garden
Outdoor space
A beautifully designed garden by Tom Stuart-Smith, featuring sculptures and offering lovely views of the river.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry for Locals & Members
Navigating Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Entry for Locals!
Wakefield residents and Hepworth Members get in free! :ticket:
🚗 Parking Pains
The car park can be confusing. Plan your route carefully or consider public transport. :car:
☕ Enjoy the Cafe
Delicious coffee and food, though waits can be long. Worth it for the quality! :coffee:
🛍️ Unique Shop Finds
A well-stocked shop with interesting items, perfect for souvenirs. :gift_heart:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Entry for Locals!
Wakefield residents and Hepworth Members get in free! :ticket:
🚗 Parking Pains
The car park can be confusing. Plan your route carefully or consider public transport. :car:
☕ Enjoy the Cafe
Delicious coffee and food, though waits can be long. Worth it for the quality! :coffee:
🛍️ Unique Shop Finds
A well-stocked shop with interesting items, perfect for souvenirs. :gift_heart:
🚶♀️ Quiet School Day Visits
Visiting on a school day offers a more serene experience. :school_satchel:
🖼️ Check Exhibition Schedules
See what temporary exhibitions are on – they're often highlights! :frame_photo:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise The Hepworth Wakefield for its stunning modern architecture, seamless integration with its riverside setting, and its well-curated collection, particularly the works of Barbara Hepworth. The free entry for locals and the engaging temporary exhibitions are significant draws, though some find the adjacent car park's payment system confusing and the cafe can experience long waits during peak times.
"Shame on me: I had not visited this truly fantastic museum before, despite living less than an hour from it.
It is worth visiting just for the building itself. The way the whole lot is perfectly combined with the location, its surroundings, including the river, with a cute garden housing some sculptures, the main bridge to access the museum from the car park, is superb.
The curated collection in the museum is simply magnificent. I visited attracted by Helen Chapwick's "Life Pleasures" exhibition, and my high expectations were gladly met: thought provoking, full of unexpected beauty, really original.
The shop is well supplied, and the coffee room was quite enjoyable: well attended, with great coffee and a good variety of food.
The atmosphere was the best for me, in my opinion: although not empty, it was quiet and I had the chance to go across some of the pieces without waiting for others to leave me room. I guess it helped I went in a school day.
There were plenty of lockers to leave your bags should you want to. But I could enter with my small backpack.
The toilets, like the rest of the museum, were very clean, and all working well.
The only negative remark is the car park: my sat nav did not give me the right directions, and I found the sign directions were not totally clear? It cost £4 for the full day. Considering that the ticket to the museum was free (as a resident in Wakefield district), I do not think it is fair to complain."
Rubén Molina Fernández
"It's a big gallery with a good range of permanent and temporary exhibitions. The actual gallery spaces are well lit, and the object descriptions are good.
There is a large 'coffee and cake' type café and a small shop.
Outside, there is an interesting garden. There are great views out from one of the galleries onto the weir and river."
P Ruffles
"Absolutely brilliant visit. Love the place. The current exhibitions are superb and work very well together. Excellent accessibility and inclusion. Nice gift shop - small but with some interesting stuff.
They don’t accept Amex - I get how the fees are higher and they are a charity.. but kind of - I’m not if that makes sense - I am personally missing out by not using Amex. Would rather the ticket price be slightly higher if you needed but if you’re going to show Amex accepted on your contactless pay terminal you should accept it.
Downside - the car park over the road has THE most confusing pay experience I’ve ever come across (I’ve been driving for 30+ years). It may not be owned or run by the Hepworth but from an outsider looking in perspective, it’s their car park, all signs suggest etc. absolutely dreadful experience."
Matt Watson-Power
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hepworth Wakefield is easily accessible by public transport. The nearest train station is Wakefield Westgate, which is a short walk away. Buses also serve the city center. If driving, be aware that the car park can be confusing to navigate and pay for.
Yes, there is a car park located across the road. However, many visitors report issues with the payment system and signage, finding it confusing. The cost is typically around £4 for the full day.
The gallery is located by the river, making it accessible via local cycle paths. There are likely bike racks available, though specific details should be confirmed on their official website.
The museum is known for its excellent accessibility. The building is spacious and modern, designed to accommodate visitors with mobility needs. Specific details on accessible routes and facilities can be found on their website.
Opening hours can vary, especially for special exhibitions. It's best to check the official Hepworth Wakefield website for the most up-to-date information on opening times and any potential closures.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the permanent collection at The Hepworth Wakefield is free for Wakefield district residents and Hepworth Members. For others, there may be a charge for special exhibitions.
Admission to the permanent collection is free for local residents and members. Ticket prices for temporary exhibitions vary and should be checked on the official website.
While free entry for the permanent collection doesn't require booking, it's advisable to book tickets for special exhibitions in advance, especially during peak times, to guarantee entry and potentially save time.
Yes, free entry is available for Wakefield district residents and Hepworth Members. Keep an eye on their website for any other potential discounts or special offers.
According to visitor feedback, The Hepworth Wakefield does not accept American Express cards, which can be inconvenient for some visitors.
🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience
The Hepworth Wakefield showcases modern and contemporary art, with a strong focus on the work of Barbara Hepworth and other significant sculptors. They also host a variety of temporary exhibitions by international artists.
Yes, there is a cafe that offers a good variety of food and drinks, including coffee and cake. While the quality is praised, be prepared for potential wait times during busy periods.
The sculpture garden, designed by Tom Stuart-Smith, is a beautiful outdoor space featuring sculptures and offering pleasant views of the river and weir. It's particularly lovely in spring and summer.
Yes, the gallery often provides on-site activities for younger visitors to keep them engaged. The spacious environment and engaging exhibits can also be enjoyable for families.
Photography for personal use is generally permitted in the galleries, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions on certain artworks or exhibitions. Flash photography is usually not allowed.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
The shop offers a curated selection of art-related books, prints, gifts, and unique items, often inspired by the current exhibitions and the gallery's collection.
Visitors generally find the cafe's food to be delicious, with a good variety of options. However, some reviews mention long waits for food during busy times.
While it has a well-regarded cafe, it functions more as a casual dining spot rather than a formal restaurant. It's a great place for coffee, cake, or a light meal.
As The Hepworth Wakefield is located in the city center, there are numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants in Wakefield town center within walking distance, offering a wider range of dining choices.
The cafe typically serves a range of light meals, sandwiches, cakes, pastries, and hot and cold beverages. They aim to provide quality food that complements a gallery visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally permitted in the galleries, but it's always advisable to check for any specific restrictions on certain artworks or exhibitions. Flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the art.
The modern architecture of the building itself, the views of the river and weir from the galleries, and the sculpture garden offer excellent photographic opportunities. The artworks themselves are also popular subjects.
Yes, you can typically take photos of the Barbara Hepworth sculptures for personal use, provided you adhere to the gallery's general photography guidelines.
Drone photography is generally not permitted within the vicinity of cultural institutions like The Hepworth Wakefield due to privacy and safety concerns. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
A versatile camera that handles low light well is ideal for indoor shots. For the exterior and garden, a camera with good dynamic range will capture the architectural details and natural light effectively. A smartphone camera is also perfectly adequate for most visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekday during term time to avoid the busiest periods, making the experience more relaxed for everyone. The cafe offers kid-friendly options, and the overall environment is welcoming for families.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts on a Budget
Even if you're not a local, the cost of temporary exhibitions is often reasonable, and the quality of the art and the building itself provides immense value. The free entry for locals means you can enjoy world-class art without a significant expense, making it a prime destination for budget-conscious art aficionados.
🚶 Day-Trippers from Leeds
Spend a few hours exploring the stunning architecture, Barbara Hepworth's sculptures, and the rotating contemporary exhibitions. Combine your visit with a stroll along the river or explore Wakefield's other attractions for a well-rounded day out.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architecture of The Hepworth Wakefield
Visitors often remark on how the building itself enhances the exhibition experience. The flow between galleries is intuitive, and the natural light is expertly managed to illuminate the artworks without causing damage. The exterior, with its distinctive geometric shapes, has become an iconic landmark in Wakefield.
Beyond the main galleries, the site includes a beautiful sculpture garden designed by Tom Stuart-Smith. This outdoor space provides a tranquil contrast to the indoor exhibitions and offers further opportunities for reflection and enjoyment of art in a natural setting.
Exploring the Art Collections
In addition to its permanent collection, the gallery is renowned for its dynamic program of temporary exhibitions. These exhibitions feature a diverse array of national and international artists, showcasing various mediums and artistic approaches. From painting and sculpture to printmaking and ceramics, these shows offer fresh perspectives and keep the gallery experience engaging for repeat visitors.
+3The gallery also actively engages with the local community and art scene. Events like the Hepworth Wakefield Print Fair and Ceramics Fair provide platforms for artists to exhibit and sell their work, fostering a vibrant creative atmosphere.
+1Visitor Experience and Amenities
The on-site cafe is a popular spot, offering quality food and beverages. While it can get busy, the delicious offerings make it a worthwhile stop. The gallery shop is also well-curated, providing a selection of art books, prints, and unique gifts.
For those concerned about accessibility, The Hepworth Wakefield excels. The spacious layout and modern design ensure that visitors with mobility issues can navigate the galleries comfortably. The free entry for local residents and members further enhances the welcoming atmosphere of the institution.
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