Key points

• Date: May 9 to September 27, 2026

• Location: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (London)

• Works on display: more than 100, including 30 monumental sculptures

• Special feature: open-air exhibition, in direct interaction with nature

• Complementary exhibition: at Wakehurst (Sussex), from June 5 to September 27, 2026

A monumental immersion in the world of Henry Moore

From 9 May 2026, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London, will host Henry Moore: Monumental Nature , the largest-ever outdoor exhibition of the renowned British sculptor's work. Organized in partnership with the Henry Moore Foundation, this exceptional event will feature over 100 works spread across the grounds, including 30 monumental outdoor sculptures.

A unique dialogue between sculpture and nature

Housed within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this exhibition highlights the intimate connection between Moore's sculpted forms and natural elements. Believing that sculpture is an outdoor art, the artist has always drawn inspiration from nature: stones, bones, trees, and geological formations have fueled his imagination. At Kew, his works will be displayed in a vibrant environment, in harmony with the lawns, Victorian greenhouses, ponds, and ancient trees.

Iconic works exhibited in an exceptional setting

Among the major sculptures on display are Large Two Forms (1969), Oval with Points (1968–70), Reclining Woman: Elbow , and Three Piece Sculpture: Vertebrae (1968–69). These colossal pieces, placed at different points in the garden, interact with the plant space and offer the public an immersive artistic experience. The famous Temperate House , the largest Victorian greenhouse in the world, will also host some of the sculptures, reinforcing the contrast between cultivated nature and abstract forms.

An indoor exhibition complementary to the botanical gallery

Alongside the monumental works, more than 70 pieces will be on display in the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art. This indoor section of the exhibition will include drawings, sketches, models, and small- and medium-sized sculptures, allowing visitors to explore Moore's creative process and better understand the evolution of his artistic language.

A contemporary approach to art and the environment

Beyond its aesthetic celebration, Henry Moore: Monumental Nature is part of a broader reflection on our relationship with nature and biodiversity. Kew curator Paul Denton emphasizes that the exhibition also aims to raise awareness of contemporary environmental issues. By contrasting Moore's works with a constantly evolving living landscape, the exhibition creates a bridge between art, ecology, and collective consciousness.

A parallel exhibition in Wakehurst, Sussex

To extend the experience, a satellite exhibition entitled Henry Moore and More will be held at Wakehurst, Kew's wild botanic garden in Sussex, from June 5 to September 27, 2026. This second exhibition will link four of Moore's sculptures with contemporary works created in partnership with the Henry Moore Institute. This initiative explores the interactions between modern sculpture and environmental art, in a natural setting conducive to contemplation.

FAQ

Who is Henry Moore?

Henry Moore (1898–1986) was a world-renowned British sculptor known for his abstract and organic works, often inspired by the human body and natural forms. He is considered a master of modern sculpture.

Where will the Monumental Nature exhibition take place?

It will take place at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, a huge botanic garden located in London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How many works will be exhibited?

The exhibition will feature more than 100 works, including 30 monumental sculptures spread across the park's outdoor spaces.

What are the dates of the exhibition?

Henry Moore: Monumental Nature will take place from 9 May to 27 September 2026 at Kew, and a satellite exhibition, Henry Moore and More , will be held at Wakehurst from 5 June to 27 September 2026.