National Photographic Archive

4.0 star rating
6 reviews Rating Details
Hours:

Mon-Fri 10:00 - 17:00

Sat 10:00 - 14:00

Price Range:

Good for Children:
Yes
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6 reviews in English

  • Review from Annie L.

    Dublin

    5.0 star rating
    30/6/2009 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    I'm a fan of this place, I frequently pop in to check out their exhibits. Currently they have work of the students of the Dublin Institute of Technology. Which highlights that they do on occasion show some contemporary work.

    For most part it is historical, they recently had an interesting study of Irish rural life through the eyes of an American photographer, it was a very simple and enjoyable exhibit. The building itself is average size, there is also an upstairs. I like the size, it's not overpowering and you don't feel drained as a lot of big exhibits make you want to dash for the door after the third white room. They have timed it just right, plus you can't beat the central location.

    Oh and it's free!

  • Review from Sherri S.

    Denver, CO

    USA
    4.0 star rating
    2/5/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Small but interesting.
    The space looks more like a small gallery that would be suited for cocktail parties. The upstairs  is awkward but the lower level is charming and offers a quaint space for entertaining as well as displays.
    I understand the exhibits change every month or so.
    The children of Ireland between the 1700's and 1800's exhibit (which I saw) was quite interesting but slim in content.
    Very wealthy and the very poor.
    Cross dressing and some action photography.
    A lot of portraits.
    A small glimpse into the country's children...very small.

  • Review from Alexandra M.

    Dublin

    4.0 star rating
    5/3/2011

    Currently there is a 'power and privilege' display of photos which are, overall, great.

    Its pretty amazing to see how well some pictures from the 1800s can be kept so pristine. Its also pretty hilarious to see what people did (chased otters) and wore (massive hats). People will probably soon think that about us as well though.

    There is a lot of space in the museum which I feel could be used better (but maybe that was just for this display).

    Free! And free postcards! But you get a glare if you try to take more than 2-3.

  • Review from Aoife R.

    • 34 friends
    • 408 reviews

    Dublin

    4.0 star rating
    13/11/2009 1 photo

    Luckily, it has a lot more pictures in the storeroom, as there are only about 100 on show over the two floors. To see those that are hidden, you will need to make an appointment, bring your library card and ask at reception - there is also a secret knock.

    The ones that are on public display are great - black and white images of poet Patrick Kavanagh celebrating Bloomsday and going back to the stony grey soil of his youth, character-filled shots of traveller families from the 1950s, and photos of crumbling Georgian Dublin.

  • Review from Steinunn J.

    • 15 friends
    • 314 reviews

    Dublin

    4.0 star rating
    6/2/2010

    Anyone interested in Irish history will like the exhibition on display at the National Photographic Archive at Meeting House Square. Entitled 'Witness to War' the exhibition features photographs from the Irish Civil War and War of Independence as seen through the lens of W.D. Hogan who was a commercial photographer with a vip access to many major events.

    This is a very educational exhibition, documenting when military troops entered Cork city, the burning of the Customs House in Dublin and numerous other significant events. You can view plenty of photographs of Michael Collins, like one showing him speaking to the masses in Cork in March 1922, only a few months before his death.

    The exhibition is not only historically informative but a pleasure for the eye, portraying the life in the 1920s with photos of historical figures and ordinary people. I highly recommend a visit.

    The exhibition runs until May 24.

  • Review from Ciara K.

    • 16 friends
    • 363 reviews

    Dublin

    4.0 star rating
    5/10/2009 1 photo

    I spotted The National Photographic Archive for the first time last week. Is it new or have I been wandering past it unawares for years?

    Part of the National Library of Ireland, the Archive is largely a storage warehouse of old photographs. Unfortunately, the good stuff hidden away in here can be accessed by appointment only, much like the national archives on Kildare Street.

    The architecture of the building itself, situated on the corner of Meeting House Square (beside Eden restaurant), has won some prestigious design awards.

    There's a gallery area on the ground floor, with changing exhibitions drawing on the library's collection of photos. There's also a small shop in the reception area where postcards and books are for sale.

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