At a Glance

The Hepworth Wakefield opened May 2011 on the banks of the Calder in Yorkshire, England. Designed by David Chipperfield as ten connected grey concrete blocks, it honors sculptor Barbara Hepworth, born in Wakefield in 1903.

Ten Sculptures by the River

Chipperfield treated the building as sculpture. Rough board-marked concrete outside, white plaster and skylights within. Named Museum of the Year 2017; half a million visitors in the first year.

Must-See

• 44 Hepworth plaster prototypes — the Family Gift.
• Wakefield's 5,000-piece civic collection — Nicholson, Moore, Nash, Lowry.
• Recreated St Ives studio.
• Major contemporary solo shows.
• Biennial Hepworth Prize for Sculpture.

Visiting Tips

1h50 by train from King's Cross to Wakefield Westgate; 10-min walk. Free entry. 1.5–2 hours. Closed Mondays. Pair with Yorkshire Sculpture Park.