Yorkshire Sculpture Park has announced that it will reopen its gates 7 days a week between 10am and 6pm.
From Wednesday 29 July, visitors will once again be able to enjoy world-class modern and contemporary sculpture in the open air, set within beautiful 18th century landscape. The Underground Gallery will be open, where visitors can view the vibrant, major exhibition by leading Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos and the physical gallery shop will be open for business as well as online. Over the coming months, additional galleries including The Weston, Chapel and Longside will open as restrictions and funding permits.
YSP’s retail outlet in the main visitor centre will be open, and in due course the main café will reopen. There will be a take-out offer available at YSP Learning café.
Prioritising safety and compliance with NHS guidelines to ensure YSP is COVID-19 secure has meant that some essential changes have been put into place. These include social distancing, one-way systems and restricted visitor numbers.
Similar to attractions across the UK, everyone must pre-book a ticket online in advance to gain entry. A £6 ticket booked through www.ysp.org.uk includes access to the Underground Gallery, open air galleries, YSP grounds and parking. Under 16s, carers and Max card holders are eligible for a free ticket but must book, so that numbers can be managed on site.
Founded in 1977, the much-loved charity and accredited museum is set in a vast landscape, with 6 indoor galleries, restaurants, shops, cafes and an arts learning centre. The costs associated with operating an organisation of this type and scale is significant, and YSP has to raise 80% of the income needed to operate through visitors, fundraising and donations.
Since YSP closed its gates in March due to COVID-19, it has faced a financial challenge. The charity has lost £4 in every £5 of its income. It now needs vital funds from tickets and donations to be able to open to the public.
Visitors are asked to plan ahead, book and pay on line and once on site, to follow new directional signage, use hand sanitiser stations and follow one-way systems to keep each other and YSP staff safe. For more information and to plan your visit, visit www.ysp.org.uk/visit.
