Temporary Exhibitions

Overview

The National Museum of Ireland, spread across several distinct sites in Dublin and County Mayo, consistently hosts a dynamic array of temporary exhibitions. These ever-changing showcases offer visitors fresh perspectives on Ireland's rich heritage, diverse culture, and fascinating natural world. While the broader institution encompasses the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology on Kildare Street, Decorative Arts & History at Collins Barracks, Natural History on Merrion Street (currently undergoing refurbishment, with select collections at Collins Barracks), and Country Life in Turlough Park, County Mayo, it is primarily at the Dublin locations where these special, time-limited displays captivate audiences. Admission to all National Museum of Ireland sites, including for temporary exhibitions, is entirely free, ensuring accessibility for all curious minds.

These temporary exhibitions are designed not only to inform but also to engage and challenge visitors, providing an enriching experience that deepens understanding of Ireland's past and present. They frequently highlight aspects of the museum's vast collections that might not be on permanent display, or they bring in external collections and perspectives to create unique dialogues. From ancient artifacts to contemporary social narratives, the range is remarkably broad, promising something of interest for every visitor.

History & Cultural Background

The staging of temporary exhibitions is a fundamental and strategically planned component of the National Museum of Ireland's mission. The museum adheres to a policy that allows for a rolling program, often scheduled on a five-year cycle, ensuring a continuous flow of new content. These exhibitions serve primarily to delve into themes pertinent to and expand upon the core subject areas and extensive collections of the National Museum of Ireland.

However, the museum's approach is also flexible, permitting the display of topics beyond its immediate core, provided they resonate deeply with the heritage and people of Ireland. Many of these special presentations are developed in-house, drawing on the museum's own expertise and artifacts, sometimes in collaboration with other institutions. Alternatively, significant exhibitions developed by other organizations can be loaned and presented, adding to the diversity of offerings. A notable venue for temporary exhibitions within the National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History at Collins Barracks is the former Riding School, which has hosted various displays since its opening in 2005.

Over the years, these temporary exhibits have covered a wide spectrum. For instance, the 'Dead Zoo at Large' was presented at Collins Barracks between 2009 and 2010, offering a glimpse of the Natural History collection while its main building underwent refurbishment. In 2019, 'Ireland in Focus: Photographing Ireland in the 1950s' featured 100 photographs by Henri Cartier-Bresson, capturing a pivotal era. Another significant historical exhibition was 'Proclaiming a Republic: The 1916 Rising' in 2016 at Collins Barracks, which showcased the museum's extensive collection related to this foundational event in Irish history.

What Makes It Special

The temporary exhibitions at the National Museum of Ireland stand out for their exceptional diversity and the depth with which they explore their chosen subjects. They are designed to offer unique insights, often showcasing artifacts that have never been seen by the public or presenting familiar stories in new, engaging ways.

For example, the 'Words on the Wave: Ireland and St. Gallen in Early Medieval Europe' exhibition at the Kildare Street site featured precious manuscripts that returned to Ireland for the first time in a millennium, alongside newly conserved treasures like the Lough Kinale Book-Shrine. The 'Dead Zoo Lab' at Collins Barracks is another special initiative, providing a home for approximately 1,300 specimens from the Natural History collection during its Merrion Street site's refurbishment. This includes rare 19th-century Blaschka glass models of marine life, many of which had not been displayed for generations. These exhibitions also frequently involve collaborations, such as the 'A New Form of Beauty' exhibit with the National College of Art and Design, or 'Parasite Tales' in the Dead Zoo Lab, a partnership with the Irish Society for Parasitology, demonstrating a commitment to interdisciplinary engagement.

The themes are incredibly varied, ranging from explorations of Ireland's medieval monastic sites, the world of native bees, and the history of the GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association), to the vibrant youth culture of Dublin from the 1960s to the 1990s. Many incorporate interactive elements and immersive displays, creating a more dynamic and memorable visitor experience. Furthermore, the museum actively considers the potential for these exhibitions to travel, allowing their stories and collections to reach wider audiences both within Ireland and internationally.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

Beyond the artifacts, the temporary exhibitions often weave compelling narratives and unearth fascinating local details. Consider 'The Murmur of Bees' exhibition, which not only explored Ireland's more than 100 native bee species but also delved into the historical and cultural significance of bees, including the story of Saint Gobnait, Ireland's patron saint of bees.

Another engaging example was the 'Ballsbridge Beetle' exhibition, which commemorated the 75th anniversary of the first Volkswagen Beetle assembled outside Germany. This display prominently featured an iconic Beetle that was originally built in Dublin, highlighting a unique piece of local industrial history. 'A New Form of Beauty' offered a vivid photographic journey through Dublin's youth culture, street style, and various subcultures from the 1960s to the 1990s, providing a unique glimpse into the city's evolving identity and creative spirit.

The 'Dead Zoo Lab' at Collins Barracks has also hosted intriguing smaller displays, such as 'Parasite Tales,' which explored the hidden world of parasites and proudly acknowledged Ireland's significant contributions to parasitology, including Nobel laureate William Campbell's work. The very location of the Decorative Arts & History museum, Collins Barracks, carries its own rich history, having served as a military barracks for centuries before its transformation into a cultural institution. These layers of storytelling, from ancient manuscripts to modern social movements, imbue each temporary exhibition with a unique sense of place and historical context.

Visitor Perspective

For any traveler planning a visit, the temporary exhibitions at the National Museum of Ireland offer an unparalleled opportunity to delve into specific aspects of Irish heritage and global connections. The best part for visitors is that admission to all National Museum sites, and thus to their temporary exhibitions, is completely free, making cultural exploration accessible to everyone.

When planning your visit, it's advisable to check the official National Museum of Ireland website for the most up-to-date information on current exhibitions, their locations, and specific closing dates, as these displays are, by their nature, transient. While general opening hours are typically Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00, and Sunday and Monday from 13:00 to 17:00, some sites may offer late openings on the last Thursday of each month. Last entry is usually recommended about 30 minutes before closing to allow sufficient time for enjoyment. The museum often provides family-friendly workshops and activities tailored to complement the themes of its temporary exhibitions, making them a great option for visitors of all ages. These thoughtfully curated exhibitions ensure that every visit can offer a fresh and engaging exploration of Ireland's captivating stories.