With unprecedented visitor numbers anticipated, Hull is getting ready for the arrival of the prestigious contemporary art award, Turner Prize 2017. As work gets underway to host the exhibition the Ferens Art Gallery will temporarily close for a week, between Tuesday 5 Monday 11 September 2017.
Preparations will be undertaken to ensure the gallery space is ready to host the four shortlisted artists works. A number of the Ferens permanent artworks will be carefully moved into secure onsite storage with others being retained on display whilst the gallery hosts the Turner Prize between Tuesday 26 September 2017 and Sunday 7 January 2018.
Councillor Terry Geraghty, Hull City Council Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Tourism and Chair of Hull Culture and Leisure Limited, said:
We have to ensure the gallery is ready to host one of the most exciting and best known contemporary art prizes in the world.
The spotlight will be firmly on Hull for all the right reasons and we want the gallery to look its best. This work is vital to ensure this international event is a huge success.
Weve already enjoyed phenomenal visitor figures for The Ferens so far this year and hosting Turner Prize 2017 means this is set to continue.
Turner Prize was shown in Liverpool in 2007, Gateshead in 2011, Derry-Londonderry in 2013 and Glasgow in 2015. In 2017 Hull will be the fifth city, outside London, to host the prize, as part of the 2017 UK City of Culture celebrations.
On Tuesday 12 September, the gallery will reopen to the public showcasing highlights of the permanent collection in Gallery 4. Turner Prize 2017 will be unveiled to the public on Tuesday 26 September.
The Ferens Art Gallery will also be closed on Monday 25 September, for final preparations ahead of the opening of Turner Prize 2017 exhibition on Tuesday 26 September.
With free admission The Ferens Art Gallery is open: Monday Saturday 10am 5pm and Sunday 11am 4.30pm. It is also open until 7.30pm every Thursday.