In 1977, Peter Murray, a lecturer in art history, had the modest idea of putting some sculptures on the grounds of the 18^th-century Bretton Hall estate in Wakefield, West Yorkshire—a city that was the proud birthplace of sculptors Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. Now, over 40 years later, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park encompasses 500 acres, making it the largest sculpture park in Europe. Apart from one of the best collections of bronzes by Moore and Hepworth, there are permanent and long-term installations by the likes of Helen Escobedo, Antony Gormley, Andy Goldsworthy, and James Turrell. This summer sees a major exhibition by the South African artist William Kentridge that will include several of his large-scale bronzes and six new monumental colored sculptures on parade in YSP’s historic landscape.

Museum of Underwater Sculpture (Ayia Napa, Cyprus)

Occupying a stretch of seabed 200 metres from the Ayia Napa coastline lies the Museum of Underwater Sculpture, one of the most otherworldly artistic experiences in the whole of the Mediterranean. The underwater sculpture forest features 93 sculptures by Jason deCaires Taylor including trees, plants, and children playing alongside mythical creatures, intended to explore man’s relationship with nature. Visitors can access the submerged sculpture park, which reaches a depth of 10 meters at its deepest part, by snorkeling, free diving or scuba diving.

Solo Sculpture Trail (Matarraña, Spain)

Photo: Courtesy of Solo Sculpture Trail