Modern Art Oxford's refurbishment has been “unbelievably transformational” for the gallery, according to its director.

The Pembroke Street gallery reopened to the public on Friday, November 2, after being closed for the summer for a complete redesign of its welcome area, education centre, and the creation of a new exhibition space.

The £2 million project was developed in consultation with more than 350 community members who gave feedback on the proposals.

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Paul Hobson, the gallery director, said: “We’re completely thrilled with the new space – it feels so much warmer and more welcoming with an improved flow and accessibility. It’s been completely transformed.”

What was, in Mr Hobson’s words, a “cold and clinical” space of concrete and glass is now a "warm and inviting gallery of oak floors, colourful furniture, and vibrant social spaces".

“It’s really about strengthening the offer to Oxford. We were running out of space and it had been more than 20 years since the last works of the building. We’d outgrown the spaces that we had,” said Mr Hobson.

Modern Art Oxford has been refurbished Modern Art Oxford has been refurbished (Image: Dan Weill) Award-winning David Kohn Architects have been in charge of the redesign, which has created a new welcome area, increased the education spaces, created a new gallery dedicated to exhibiting Oxford talent, and a shop and destination café.

Mr Hobson explained the new space is “very much about showcasing the creativity of Oxford’s diverse communities. It grounds the space as an Oxford organisation – founded on our relationships here in the city”. 

An exciting talking point is the new café designed by acclaimed artist Emma Hart, which the director described as “exuberant”.

Funding for the large-scale project came from various foundations, Arts Council England and from a public fundraising campaign which exceeded its targets three times over, a generosity which “humbled” the gallery team.

But it may not come as a surprise considering the organisation is so good at giving back – Modern Art Oxford has worked with one in 10 members of the community in the city, and intends to become a space where they can socialise, participate, and express their creativity.

Although the project has allowed other developments, like commercial opportunities for extra income the real aim was "always to reflect the values of the institution and its city", Mr Hobson said.   

(Image: Dan Weill) Mr Hobson added: “I hope that what we’re giving back to Oxford is a space that is the most inspiring and welcoming space, that has been envisioned by the people who will use it.

"That’s the next test – to see if we’ve fulfilled that brief.”

A public preview for the space and its new exhibition, Belkis Ayón (until February 9, 2025) took place on Friday, November 2.

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