Irish Museum of Modern Art, where life and art connect

The Irish national institution of Modern Art

The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) is Ireland’s leading national institution. They own the collection and presentation of Modern, and Contemporary Art and is the home of the National Collection.

In addition to the collection, IMMA presents a dynamic and changing programme of exhibitions from Irish and International Artists. Complimentary education and family programmes throughout the year including a dynamic Talks programme and the IMMA studio and national programmes.

Irish Museum of Modern Art

The Museum, housed in the 17th century Royal Hospital building in Kilmainham, Dublin. The beautiful grounds include a formal garden, meadow and medieval burial grounds.

How the IMMA established?

The Irish Museum of Modern Art, established by the Government of Ireland in 1990 as Ireland’s first national institution for the presentation and collection of modern and contemporary art. However, the Museum officially opened on 25 May 1991 by the, then Taoiseach Charles J Haughey. Since its opening, the Museum has rapidly established itself as a significant and dynamic presence in the Irish and international arts arena.

Widely admired by its peers throughout the world for the range and relevance of its exhibitions, for its innovative use of its growing Collection, for its award-winning education and community programme and for its visitor-centred ethos and facilities.

‘The Drummer’ by Barry Flanagan at IMMA

Building and grounds

The Royal Hospital Kilmainham is one of the finest 17th-century building in Ireland. Founded in 1684 by James Butler, Duke of Ormonde and Viceroy to Charles II, as a home for retired soldiers and continued in that use for almost 250 years. The style is based on Les Invalides in Paris with a formal facade and a large elegant courtyard.

On the other hand, The Royal Hospital in Chelsea completed two years later and also contains many similarities in style. Therefore, the Royal Hospital Kilmainham restored by the Government in 1984 and opened as the Irish Museum of Modern Art in May 1991.

Legal Status and Funding of The Irish Museum of Modern Art

The Museum is a company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital. The company is funded by grant-in-aid through the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and by sponsorship, franchise and own resource income.

Opening Hours:

  • Monday: Closed 
  • Tuesday – Friday: 11.30am – 5.30pm
  • Saturday: 10.00am – 5.30pm
  • Sunday: 12noon – 5.30pm

Admission to IMMA is Free. From the Dublin Citi Hotel, you need about 30 minutes to walk to the Irish Museum of Modern Art, it is a nice stroll along the Liffey River.

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