A major art gallery in Bradford will temporarily close its doors to the public to make “significant” improvements ahead of the UK City of Culture 2025 celebrations.

Cartwright Hall Art Gallery would be closed between Tuesday, November 19 and Friday, December 13, according to Bradford Council, which manages the site.

The government-funded works will involve “essential renovation” to “ensure the venue meets the highest standards for the upcoming cultural programme”, a spokesman for the authority said.

Planned improvements included improving lighting and gallery spaces, improving accessibility features and modernizing gallery infrastructure, they added.

UK City of Culture year in Bradford is set to deliver more than 1,000 new performances and events, including 365 artist commissions, a series of major art festivals, as well as national and international collaborations.

Some of the gallery’s exhibits were already in storage before the temporary closure, meaning its ground-floor galleries were already closed, the council spokesperson said.

Councilor Sarah Ferriby, executive member for healthy people and places, said: “We are excited to embark on this transformative project.

“These improvements will not only preserve the historic essence of the gallery, but will also elevate it to a new level of excellence, ready to welcome many more visitors during the year the district becomes UK City of Culture in 2025. “.

Cartwright Hall art gallery was expected to reopen to the public on Saturday, December 14, the council said.

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