Irish Museum of Modern Art
Categories: Museums, Art Galleries [Edit]
Royal Hospital, Military RoadKilmainham, Dublin 8
(01) 6129900
- Good for Children:
- Yes
5 reviews for Irish Museum of Modern Art
Fantastic Gallery, IMMA is one of our most impressive art galleries yet one of the least visited because of its location outside the city centre.
I cannot recommend a bus trip up here any more, the museum is housed in an exquisite building and always has something new to offer the viewer. The museum is directed towards both young and old with many interactive spots for keeping the kids happy while you take an interest in the Art... that said however most children find the art itself to be very interesting and it can be an enlightening experience finding out what they think of this work or that... sometimes they can have the better opinion on what a work means.. sometimes the best!
I love it up here... it sort of takes you away from the mix of the city centre and gives you time to breath and think.
Just GO!
Founded in 1684 and restored over 300 years later this museum, housed in the old Royal Hospital, was opened in 1991 and features a collection of over 4500 contemporary Irish and international works of art.
Some of the artists who's work can be seen here include Damien Hurst and Gilbert and George.
But there is not only art here. There are some lovely formal gardens and courtyard where lots of films have been shot and filmed here. You can even have a guided tour and find out all about the museum, the films made here, as well as the paintings and artists themselves.
There is of course a cafe and bookshop on site too!
The IMMA is housed in a beautiful old building and manages a perfect mix of preserving its historical value while showcasing modern art. And with the red LUAS line it's easy enough to get here now, it's about 5 minutes walk away from Heuston Station.
The grounds are beautiful and there is very few places, which are a nicer option for a walk when the sun is shining. There are temporary exhibitions of up-and-coming artists as well as ongoing long-term projects. Echoing David- this is a place you just have to see! And it's completely free, so there really is no excuse to not visit the IMMA.
A modern art museum in an old military hospital? Good thinking, Ireland! If you aren't one for modern art, you will certainly appreciate the museum's beautiful grounds, which back up to the Liffey.
But don't discount the museum's collections and special exhibits which feature a wide variety of works by international artists. The unique hospital space makes for creative exhibition design, and I recall being just blown away by how they used the space for an excellent exhibition on Laurie Anderson in 2005. Great museum relatively neglected by tourists. And it's an awesome place to watch moody Irish men brood about in black jeans.
This is a great spot, the building is amazing, it used to be an old army hosiptal. The grounds also transport you back to into a magical time which gives the building a serenity that makes the artwork so much more engaging.
The museum always has impressive exhibitions on show, I have seen Warhol to Kiki Smith. It's free which is always good.
They have converted the stables into artist studios for artists in residence which is another beautiful touch. It's great fun exploring all the different rooms and a really good place for kids to use their imaginations.
I highly recommend visiting this museum, you will not be disappointed.