henry moore at kew gardens

peaceful masses of art

There’s a certain timeless allure to Henry Moore’s work. The clean modernism and undulating forms of his sculptures feel enduring, something that generations of audiences can appreciate and relate to. So it feels particularly wonderful to have this art, meant to be public, open to the public at Kew Gardens this year.

Throughout the gardens, there are 30 of his sculptures, curated and displayed in dialogue with the nature around it. The scale of his bronze sculptures somehow feel small, intimate, in the context of the sprawling gardens. The lush landscapes of summer in London offer an indulgent backdrop for Moore’s works.

There’s something about seeing the large pieces under the dappled light through the trees, the sound of a breeze wafting through, light and shadow shifting as you move around it. Inside the conservatory, smaller works exist among the lush plants, drenched in sunlight.

Going through the gardens feels like a scavenger hunt that brings out the child in every visitor, the artsy equivalent of an Easter egg hunt, but the reward is a sculpture that you can get up close and personal with, each with its own story and inspiration.

Henry Moore: Monumental Nature will be on view at Kew Gardens through January 2027.

henry moore at kew gardens

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