Ciaran Purcell discusses some temporary exhibitions that are worth a visit this year.
Art is something which has been at the forefront of Irish culture dating back millenia, with the country being home to some of the most prominent artists including painters, musicians and theatre makers. Many of these artists evidently end up having their works displayed throughout the country. Some are a part of permanent exhibitions while others are sadly just temporary but just as worthwhile. So, if you’re looking for something fun, interesting and cultural to spend your time on, let's take a walk through some of the must see temporary exhibitions that are worth a visit this year. (I might also add that these make a fun date idea, if that's what you’re looking for...)
Starting off strong we have Harry Clarke’s Stained Glass. Located in the National Museum of Ireland, this exhibition offers free admission with no prior booking, at Collins Barracks on Benburb Street. A collaboration between the National Museum and Crawford Art Gallery, the exhibition offers a look at six of the beautiful and historic pieces crafted from Harry Clarke’s work with his use of stained glass.This exhibition is a must see for history buffs and art history students in particular who are looking for something new to experience. No word yet on when this exhibition will be closing but it opened its doors in 2024 and has a 2 year run, so it’s likely leaving this year - yet still plenty of time to visit.
While you’re already down at the National Museum taking advantage of the free admission you might as well go and check out the Dead Zoo Lab. It shows some of the most popular specimens that normally would be housed at the National History Museum while their regular home over on Merrion Street is getting a glow up. There are roughly 1,300 objects on display at any given time including pieces from the world’s largest collection of Blaschka glass models of marine life. Once again no word of when this exhibit will close but still I say get yourselves down there soon - because, I mean, it’s glass fish. That’s really cool.
Continuing our journey through the National Museum (which I cannot emphasise enough, has free admission, meaning you have zero excuse not to go), veering back towards the arts: next up is the exhibit A Hand in Nature: Art Metalwork & Jewellery. A team of nine silversmiths and jewellers have explored the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature in this temporary exhibition. At its heart is Anthropoware V, Eva Lynch’s final work in a series of kinetic sculptures, which you are invited to spin and observe in a 360 degree view. This exhibit promises to be more abstract than the previous two so if that is your cup of tea then this is definitely something that you should check out. This exhibition is on display until the 1st of March 2026, so definitely get there soon before it says its farewell.
Our final stop on this whirlwind through the National Museum exhibitions is one called Beyond the Surface. This exhibit looks to explore one question: how can historical objects inform the design and making of contemporary jewellery? The best part of this exhibit is that the curators are students of Jewellery and Objects at the National College of Art and Design, meaning that by visiting this exhibit you are also supporting fellow students while also getting to experience finely crafted European and Asian metalwork. Beyond the Surface is on display till the 1st of March, so once again - go pay a visit while you still can!