The Irish Museum of Modern Art is housed within the 17th century Royal Hospital in Kilmainham. The Royal Hospital was founded in 1684, by James Butler (the Duke of Ormonde) and for almost 250 years it served as a home for retired soldiers. 1984 saw major restoration works by the Irish Government with the museum being established in 1990 and it was eventually opened on the 25th of May 1991, by the then Taoiseach, Charles J. Haughey.
The museum has a permanent collection of approximately 1650 works, which include Irish and International art, lens-based work, installations, sculptures and paintings. The museum is lucky enough to have been granted an extended loan of the Musgrave Kinley Outsider Art Collection. With over 600 works, this is one area that has to be seen, containing work by artists who would not have had any formal training and indeed who are rarely influenced by art history. Also on view is The Madden Arnholz Collection with over 2000 prints including Durer, Rembrandt, Hogarth, Goya and many more.
The museum has various initiatives in place to promote awareness of art and art works. For example the Artists Residency Programme. This studio/residency programme takes place in a converted coach house near the museum. It’s all about work in progress rather than the end result and participants must make themselves available to meet visitors and allow people to view their work.
Another important initiative is the National Programme whereby works of art could end up anywhere in the country (on loan). So keep your eyes peeled the next time you go to the supermarket or to church, as you could be looking at one of the exhibits from the museum.
The museum is also targeting young people with streamlined programmes for primary, secondary and 3rd level students.
Opening Times & Admission
Mondays: Closed.
Tuesday to Saturday: 10am to 5.30pm.
Wednesday: 10.30am to 5.30pm.
Sundays and Bank Holidays: 12pm to 5.30pm.
Last admission is 5.15pm.
During the summer, from 5th June to the 18th September, there’s late opening on Thursdays until 8pm.
Admission to the Irish Museum of Modern Art is free. Facilities on site include the Formal Gardens (open the same hours as the museum), Grassroots Caf’, and the Royal Kilmainham Bookshop.
The museum hosts a series of talks, lectures and events programme, which give members of the public an opportunity to meet artists, curators and specialists. Admission to these events is free, however places are usually limited, so if you’re interested book in advance.
How to get here
By bus
Buses to Heuston Station (5 minutes walk via Military Rd): 26 from Wellington Quay; 51, 79 from Aston Quay; 90 Dart Feeder Bus from Connolly and Tara Street Stations to Heuston Station.
Buses to James St. (5 minutes walk via steps to Bow Lane onto Irwin St and Military Rd): 123 from O’Connell St/Dame St; 51B, 78A from Aston Quay.
By car
10 minute drive from the city centre. Unlimited free car parking.
On foot
Approximately 30 to 40 minutes from city centre.
By train
5 minute walk from Heuston Station; from Connolly and Tara Street Stations by 90 bus to Heuston Station
By Luas
Red line to Heuston Station, 5 minute walk to Museum entrance on Military Road.
External Links
Fore more information check out the Irish Museum of Modern Art website.
