Leeds Art Gallery shuts for major repairs until spring 2017

The doors to the gallery shut yesterday (January 10) at the end of the last day of British Art Show 8, a contemporary art exhibition which has been running at the site since October 9.

The gallery will remain closed until spring 2017 to allow the original roof of the Victorian building to undergo essential repairs.

While the gallery is closed, more than 150 paintings and sculptures from its collections are to go on loan including to international venues.

Announcing the closure last month, Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “It’s time for us to look to the future and focus on how we can ensure visitors can continue to enjoy Leeds Art Gallery’s magnificent collection in the years to come.

“Last year alone, the gallery attracted more than 430,000 visitors and, as we bid to be named European Capital of Culture 2023, this investment in repairing the roof is a demonstration of our commitment to a building that is clearly part of the bedrock of Leeds’s artistic heritage.”

Education and engagement activity will be carried out off-site, while The Picture Library, allowing people to borrow original artworks, continues to be available.