Visitor numbers for the first five months of the year at Ferens Art Gallery have shown a 91% increase from the same period prior to Hull’s year as UK City of Culture 2017.
The figures, comparing the first five months of 2018 and 2015*, are promising for both the gallery and the city as Hull looks to build on the momentum from Hull 2017.
On Thursday Ferens Art Gallery will find out if it has won the Art Fund’s prestigious Museum of the Year award, after being shortlisted with four other galleries and museums earlier this year.
Councillor Marjorie Brabazon, Chair of Hull Culture and Leisure Limited, said: “It’s fantastic to see the gallery flourishing following Hull’s year as UK City of Culture. The legacy of Hull 2017 was as important as the year itself and these promising figures show the positive impact it has had on our city.
“The gallery is now one of the most impressive galleries in the country, boasting outstanding acquisitions in recent years including Pietro Lorenzetti’s stunning panel painting, Christ between Saints Paul and Peter, some of Spencer Tunick’s iconic Sea of Hull images and, most recently, Ron Mueck’s incredible Poke sculpture.
“The success of the gallery has resulted in national recognition and on Thursday we find out if Ferens has won the Art Fund’s prestigious Museum of the Year award. To be nominated alongside the other four outstanding museums and galleries is an incredible achievement in itself, but to win would be deserved recognition for all the staff at Ferens who work tirelessly to ensure that Hull is home to a genuine world-class art gallery.”
On Thursday (July 5) the winner of Museum of the Year 2018 will be announced in London.
It is the biggest museum prize in the world, seeking out and celebrating innovation and exceptional achievement in museums and galleries across the UK.
Ferens Art Gallery’s latest exhibition, Käthe Kollwitz: Portrait of the Artist, opened on Saturday.
The powerful exhibition, exploring the work of German expressionist, runs until September 30.
Ferens Art Gallery is open Monday – Saturday, 10am – 4.30pm, and Sunday, 11am – 4pm.
*The gallery was closed for 16 months for refurbishment from September 2015 to January 2017.
