Cartwright Hall Art Gallery in Bradford will be will temporarily close its doors to the public for four weeks to undergo significant facilities improvements in preparation for celebrations for the district’s year as UK City of Culture in 2025.
The Bradford Council-run venue will be closed between Tuesday 19 November and Friday 13 December 2024. Some of the exhibits are already being put into storage in advance of and in preparation for the temporary closure, which means the main ground floor galleries are already closed.
This project for essential refurbishment is funded by the Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and will enhance the visitor experience and ensure the venue meets the highest standards for the upcoming cultural programme.
The planned improvements include upgrading the exhibition lighting and gallery spaces, enhancing accessibility features, and modernising the gallery’s infrastructure.
These enhancements are part of Bradford Council’s commitment to continuing to provide a world-class cultural venue that reflects Bradford’s rich artistic heritage and will be part of Bradford 2025 celebrations, hosting major exhibitions, including the Turner Prize, an exhibition that for forty years has captured the vivid interest of the British media and public.
Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said: “We are excited to embark on this transformative project. These improvements will not only preserve the historical essence of the gallery. but also elevate it to a new level of excellence, ready to welcome many more visitors during the district’s year as UK City of Culture in 2025.”
During the closure, the Cartwright Hall Gallery café will remain open, and the museums’ team will continue with engagement through various activities and learning programmes as well as digital initiatives, across the service’s three other venues, including Cliffe Castle Museum, Bolling Hall Museum and Bradford Industrial Museum.
Cartwright Hall Art Gallery is expected to reopen to the public on Saturday 14 December 2024, unveiling a refreshed and revitalized space that will continue to serve as a cornerstone of Bradford’s cultural heritage landscape.
