VISITOR ATTRACTION: Current situation at Cork’s Crawford Art Gallery (closed until 2027)

The Crawford Art Gallery, located at Emmet Place in the heart of Cork city, is closed to the public from September 23, 2024, for a major redevelopment project expected to last until 2027. Therefore, no on-site visits are possible in 2025.

The Crawford Art Gallery, a National Cultural Institution and Munster’s regional art museum, is housed in a historic Georgian building, originally Cork’s Custom House built in 1724. Renowned for its collection of nearly 4,000 works spanning the 18th century to contemporary times, it attracts over 250,000 visitors annually with free admission. The gallery is celebrated for its blend of historic and modern art, set in a neoclassical building near the Cork Opera House and the River Lee.

Collection and Exhibitions: The permanent collection features Greek and Roman sculpture casts (Canova Casts) gifted from the Vatican in 1818, displayed in the elegant Sculpture Gallery. Notable works include paintings by Irish artists like Jack B. Yeats, Seán Keating, Harry Clarke, Norah McGuinness, and Mainie Jellett, alongside sculptors John Hogan and Eilis O’Connell, and contemporary artists like Dorothy Cross and Maud Cotter. Temporary exhibitions, such as Landscape and Irish Identity or From Source to See, highlight Irish and international art, exploring themes like tourism and cultural heritage. The collection spans paintings, sculptures, stained glass, photography, and video installations, offering a diverse experience even for those less keen on modern art.
Atmosphere and Architecture: The gallery’s heritage building, extended in 1884 as the Crawford School of Art, provides a tranquil setting with well-spaced displays and Georgian-era features. Visitors praise its “oasis of calm” and curated layout, ideal for a 1–2-hour visit. The Sculpture Gallery on the ground floor and upstairs galleries of Irish art are highlights, though some find the modern art sections less engaging.
Tours and Education: Free guided tours (Sundays and public holidays at 2:00 PM, Thursdays at 6:30 PM) were offered pre-closure, led by knowledgeable guides detailing the collection’s history. The Learn and Explore programmes included workshops, lectures, and school outreach, fostering engagement with art. The gallery’s connection to the Crawford College of Art and Design enriched its educational offerings.
Facilities: The on-site café served coffee and light meals but drew criticism for high prices (e.g., €2 for hot water). The gift shop offered art-related souvenirs, and the gallery was fully wheelchair-accessible with lifts and accessible toilets. Its central location made it easy to combine with nearby attractions like the English Market or Saint Patrick’s Street.
Visitor Feedback: With a TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice award, the gallery was lauded for its free entry, historic ambiance, and diverse collection. Some visitors found it “underwhelming” if exhibitions were closed, but most appreciated its accessibility and the building’s architectural charm.
Closure for Redevelopment: The Crawford Art Gallery is undergoing a €30m redevelopment, Transforming Crawford Art Gallery, as part of Project Ireland 2040, led by Grafton Architects and funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media with the Office of Public Works (OPW). The gallery closed on September 22, 2024, and will remain closed throughout 2025, with construction beginning in spring 2025 and expected completion in 2027. The project includes:
50% More Space: Adding 1,919 sq. m of new exhibition and public areas, plus 3,641 sq. m of refurbished space.
New Entrance: Restoring the historic Custom House entrance on Emmet Place with enhanced landscaping.
Rooftop Gallery: A new loft-like public gallery on the fifth floor, offering views of Cork landmarks like Shandon and Saint Finbarre’s Cathedral.
Learn and Explore Facility: A dedicated space for educational programmes, enhancing community engagement.
Improved Storage: State-of-the-art facilities to preserve the National Collection.
Sustainability Upgrades: Aligning with climate change policies to ensure long-term viability.
The decanting of 3,500 artworks, including heavy Canova Casts and Seán Keating’s Men of the South, began in August 2024, with some pieces moved to secure storage and others loaned to venues like the National Museum of Ireland, Hugh Lane Gallery, and Uillinn West Cork Arts.
Off-Site Exhibitions: In 2025, Crawford’s collection will be accessible through loans to other Irish institutions, such as Doneraile Court, Cork Public Museum, Hillsborough Castle, and the National Gallery of Ireland. Sign up for the gallery’s newsletter at www.crawfordartgallery.ie for updates on loan locations.
Virtual and Community Engagement: The gallery will maintain its presence through digital content and social media (@CrawfordArtGall). Expect virtual tours, online exhibitions, or educational programmes in 2025, building on past initiatives like the 360° virtual tour. Community outreach may include pop-up events or collaborations with MTU Crawford College of Art and Design, such as the SITE OF CHANGE exhibition.
No On-Site Access: The café, gift shop, and physical exhibitions are unavailable in 2025 due to the closure. Visitors to Cork can explore alternative attractions like the English Market or Cork Public Museum, which may host Crawford’s loaned artworks.
The redevelopment aims to preserve the gallery’s historic character while modernizing facilities, ensuring a world-class experience upon reopening. For 2025, art enthusiasts should monitor www.crawfordartgallery.ie or social media for news on loaned exhibitions or virtual offerings. The closure may disappoint visitors planning a Cork trip, but the promise of a reimagined gallery in 2027 adds anticipation.