The Walker Art Gallery reopened its contemporary gallery last Friday, featuring 11 new major acquisitions.
This section of the gallery had temporarily closed on the 28th April this year to allow for a rehanging of exhibits.
This is part of a move to prepare for the institution’s 150th Anniversary next year.
The contemporary gallery showcases artworks designed to bridge the gap between the classical works on display, and modern influences.
One of these major acquisitions is Michael Landy’s ‘Multi-Saint’ (2013), a kinetic sculpture that blends a modern take on religious iconography with the gallery’s historic collection of religious art, dating back to the 15th century.
Charlotte Keenan McDonald, Head of the Walker Art Gallery, said: “We’re pleased to be showing this selection of works to the public for the first time. They’re all new to the collection, and together they give a sense of what the Walker is collecting today.
“With the gallery’s 150th anniversary coming up in 2027, it’s the perfect time to show how the collections keep growing.”
Later this year the gallery will host a curator-led tour with these new acquisitions at its centre.
Alongside these new acquisitions are a selection of pieces by past John Moores Painting Prize winners, including artworks by Dave Hockney, Peter Doig, Tim Head, and more.
A piece by Eva Helene Pade, who sat on the John Moores Painting Prize jury in 2025, is also on display, which is based on Northern European expressionist art traditions.
The 149-year-old gallery is home to one of the largest art collections in the UK, outside of London, and is considered to have some of the most important works in the country.
Entry to the gallery remains free.
@luke_kavanagh_jou Walker Art Gallery reopens Contemporary Gallery
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(Featured image by Luke Kavanagh)
