Museums and cultural attractions open doors for the first time in months

Dublin Rathdown TD and Minister for Tourism, Culture and Arts Catherine Martin T.D 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, and these are: National Gallery of Ireland, National Museum of Ireland, Chester Beatty, Crawford Art Gallery Cork, National Library of Ireland, and the National Archives.

The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) will reopen tomorrow.

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, and 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.