The Hepworth Wakefield finally opens

Wakefield's internationally renowned art gallery, The Hepworth Wakefield, finally opened its doors to the public on 21 May.

City MP Mary Creagh said "I feel proud that Wakefield is now home to one of the largest purpose built galleries outside of London. This will bring enormous benefits to our city, not just through the influx of art lovers and tourists coming to visit the gallery, but through the value of the gallery to our local community."

"Congratulations to everybody who worked on the gallery, particularly Council leader Cllr Peter Box whose vision of an internationally renowned art gallery for Wakefield is now a reality. The city really has a buzz to it with the new Trinity shopping centre, new hospital and now the Hepworth. People have been coming from far and wide and I spent most of the weekend directing lost drivers to the gallery!"

Watch a video of the gallery here: www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/video/2011/may/20/barbara-hepworth-wakefield-gallery-video

See pictures of the Hepworth sculptures here: www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/gallery/2011/may/19/hepworth-wakefield-in-pictures

Read more here:

www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2011/may/18/hepworth-wakefield-gallery-yorkshire-sculpture

www.wakefieldexpress.co.uk/news/local/inspiration_for_the_city_1_3424877

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-13483212

Visit the Hepworth Wakefield website here: www.hepworthwakefield.org