Former Ikea in Coventry to Become Major Art Center

The former Ikea store in Coventry, UK, closed in March 2020, will be transformed into one of the world's largest cultural centers, set to open in August 2023. The 50,000-square-meter building was purchased by Coventry City Council for £1.3 million (€1.5 million). Planning permission for change of use is expected by end of 2021, with renovation starting May 2022. The center will house the Arts Council England collection, featuring around 8,000 works currently in storage. David Welsh, Coventry's culture councillor, called the project a unique opportunity to create a lasting legacy from the city's 2021 UK City of Culture title. Darren Henley, CEO of Arts Council England, stated the venue will support living artists, create opportunities for students and research, and promote the works nationwide.