The 'gallery without walls' has a changing exhibition programme, rather than permanent display as seen in other UK sculpture parks such as Grizedale Forest.

Artists working at YSP, such as Andy Goldsworthy in 2007, take their inspiration from its architectural, historical or natural environment.

Many British sculptors prominent in the 1950s and 1960s have been the subject of solo exhibitions at YSP, including Lynn Chadwick,[7] Austin Wright, Phillip King, Eduardo Paolozzi, Hans Josephsohn, and Kenneth Armitage.

The redundant Grade II* listed St Bartholomew's Chapel, West Bretton built by William Wentworth in 1744[8] has been restored as gallery space.

[10] In July 2019, the new visitor centre housing a gallery, restaurant and shop, made the shortlist for the Stirling Prize for excellence in architecture.