Minister Catherine Martin welcomes the reopening of Ireland’s National Cultural Institutions
PRESS RELEASE C/O Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
Catherine Martin TD, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, has welcomed the reopening today of Ireland’s National Cultural Institutions, along with galleries, museums and libraries across the country. Many of these cultural attractions welcomed their first visitors back this morning following several months of closure due to COVID-19 public health measures.
Minister Catherine Martin said:
“I am delighted that our treasured galleries, museums and libraries have reopened their doors today and I was especially pleased to pay a visit to the National Gallery of Ireland this morning. The reopening of our cultural institutions is an important step in the COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery Plan. Galleries, museums and libraries can bring so much joy and fulfilment to our lives. And with the return of intercounty travel today too, I hope that everyone has a chance to visit the safe and uplifting surroundings of our National Cultural Institutions in the months ahead.”
Sean Rainbird, Director of the National Gallery of Ireland, said:
“We are thrilled to reopen the doors of the National Gallery of Ireland. These extraordinary times have reinforced the importance and value of culture. We know that our visitors are eager to return to see their favourite works, and look forward to welcoming them back to visit the permanent collection and our new exhibitions. Our latest show New Perspectives is a culmination of ten years’ of acquisitions. Visitors will find great variety in the show, and the stories behind each work are truly fascinating.”
Of the National Cultural Institutions, six have reopened today, either fully or partly:
- National Gallery of Ireland
- National Museum of Ireland
- Chester Beatty
- Crawford Art Gallery Cork
- National Library of Ireland
- National Archives
The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) will reopen tomorrow.
The National Gallery of Ireland has opened an exhibition, New Perspectives, comprised of acquisitions made by the Gallery between 2011 and 2020. Tickets for New Perspectives can be purchased online, starting from €5. The permanent collection is free to visit, but visitors must book in ahead of their trip to the Gallery.
The National Museum of Ireland has reopened three of its Museums today:
- The NMI – Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks, Dublin 7
- The NMI – Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
- The NMI – Archaeology, Kildare Street, Dublin 2 (booking require
Tickets for New Perspectives can be purchased online, starting from €5. The permanent collection is free to visit, but visitors must book in ahead of their trip to the Gallery.
The National Museum of Ireland has reopened three of its Museums today:
- The NMI – Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks, Dublin 7
- The NMI – Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
- The NMI – Archaeology, Kildare Street, Dublin 2 (booking required)
Highlights include Glendalough: Power, Prayer and Pilgrimage, a temporary exhibition at the NMI – Archaeology, and Crown Beoir, an exhibition of photographic portraits exploring hair and identity in Traveller culture, on display at the NMI – Country Life.
Chester Beatty has reopened its rich and diverse exhibitions today, with free admission and no pre-booking required. On 28 May, a new temporary exhibition, Edo in Colour: Prints from Japan’s Metropolis, will open on site.
Visitors to Crawford Art Gallery can enjoy a newly installed exhibition by Dara McGrath, For Those That Tell No Tales, featuring over sixty photographic works which focus on Ireland’s War of Independence. In addition, the Gallery welcomes the Zurich Portrait Prize and Young Zurich Portrait Prize for a second consecutive year.
The National Library of Ireland and the National Archives have also reopened their doors to the public today but with some restrictions. The public are advised to consult their respective websites for information.
IMMA reopens tomorrow, and amongst its varied exhibitions is a Paula Rego retrospective, Obedience and Defiance, which runs until 25 May. This major exhibition spans Rego’s career from the 1960s to the present day, with more than 80 artworks. Entry to IMMA is by ticketed timeslot and booking is essential.
Reopening information and COVID-19 safety guidance for each National Cultural Institution is available on their individual websites:
