Gallery reopens with Pride, Dali and BLM exhibits

The central gallery at the Brighton and Hove Museum and Art Gallery is to reopen after 18 months and a £2m upgrade.

The East Sussex gallery closed in 2024 for work to be carried out on its roof.

The first exhibition to be staged under the new roof opens on Saturday and is entitled Passion, Power & Protest.

Exploring how those themes drive creativity, it features a piece by Salvador Dali and banners used in Black Lives Matter protests and Brighton Pride.

One of five couches based on the lips of Mae West, produced by Dali in 1973, will be on display.

Hedley Swain, the museum's chief executive officer, said: "Passion, Power & Protest explores some of the most pressing questions in society today, who holds power, what do we care about, and how can we create change?"

And Hazel Edwards, south east area director for Arts Council England, added: "Passion, Power & Protest is a powerful reopening exhibition that reflects the museum's commitment to telling inclusive, challenging, and inspiring stories."

The work on the Grade II listed building was paid for by Arts Council England, which provided nearly £1.5m, with £500,000 from Brighton & Hove City Council.

It will improve the building's ventilation, insulation, light and energy efficiency.

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