The Model, Home of the Niland Collection, located on The Mall in Sligo Town, County Sligo, is one of Ireland’s premier contemporary arts centers, renowned for its vibrant programming and the significant Niland Collection of 20th-century Irish art. Housed in a redeveloped 1862 school building designed in the Italianate Palazzo style, this award-winning venue along the Wild Atlantic Way combines visual arts, music, film, and educational initiatives in a dynamic cultural hub.
The Niland Collection, named after visionary Sligo County Librarian Nora Niland, comprises over 300 works, featuring one of the largest public holdings of Jack B. Yeats’s paintings, alongside works by John Yeats, Paul Henry, Louis le Brocquy, Estella Solomons, Norah McGuinness, Dorothy Cross, Alice Maher, Clodagh Emoe, Eamon O’Kane, and Sean McSweeney. Notable pieces include Jack B. Yeats’s The Funeral of Harry Boland and A Political Meeting (In the West of Ireland), reflecting Sligo’s landscapes and cultural history. Only a curated selection is displayed at any time, but the full collection is accessible online via www.themodel.ie.
- Temporary Exhibitions: The Model hosts six major curated exhibitions annually, showcasing national and international contemporary artists. Past shows have featured Andy Warhol, William Kentridge, and Martin Creed, tackling themes like the refugee crisis (Turbulence, 2018). The gallery’s experimental programming emphasizes urgent, socially relevant art, offering fresh perspectives.
- Yeats Secret Garden: An enclosed wildflower garden behind the gallery, inspired by W.B. Yeats’s poem The Lake Isle of Innisfree, features a clay-plastered cabin and is open to the public. It provides a serene space to reflect on Sligo’s literary and artistic heritage.
Performing Arts and Music:
- Vibrant Music Programme: The Model’s 180-seat performance space and digital cinema host an eclectic mix of contemporary and classical music, including the Sligo New Music Festival and Sligo Festival of Baroque Music. Events are often tied to exhibitions, creating a cohesive cultural experience. Performances range from intimate acoustic sets to large concerts, appealing to diverse audiences.
- Cinema: Run in collaboration with the Sligo Film Society, the cinema screens auteur films, augmenting the venue’s multidisciplinary appeal.
- Educational and Community Engagement:
- Workshops and Tours: The Model’s acclaimed education department offers workshops, classes, talks, and guided tours for children and adults, including groundbreaking programmes for early years and those with mental or physical disabilities. The Young Model programme fosters artistic exploration, while community initiatives create a social space for dialogue and creativity.
- Artist Studios and Residency: Eight purpose-built artist studios on the top floor, with stunning views of Sligo Town and County, support a full-time artist residency programme. The Model commissions new works and collaborates with artists, making it a site of active artistic production.
Facilities and Amenities:
- Café and Bookshop: The on-site café serves coffee, light meals, and home-baked goods, providing a relaxing spot to reflect on the visit. The bookshop stocks art-related books, local literature, and unique gifts, augmenting the cultural experience.
- Architecture: The award-winning building, redeveloped in 2008–2010 with a €2.4m ERDF grant and €1.75m Arts Council funding, features a modern extension with a new entrance, gallery circuit, and reception area. The blend of historic and contemporary design is a draw in itself.
- The venue is accessible, with lifts and facilities for diverse needs, though visitors with specific requirements should confirm details via +353 71 9141405.
Practical Details:
- Location and Access: Situated at The Mall, Rathquarter, Sligo (F91 TP20), The Model is a short walk from Sligo Town center, accessible via Bus Éireann Route 64 (Sligo IT stop) or by car with nearby parking.
- Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–5:30 PM; Thursday, 10:00 AM–8:00 PM; Sunday, 12:00 PM–5:00 PM; closed Mondays.
- Admission: Free for general gallery access, though some events (e.g., concerts) may have ticketed fees (e.g., €8 for select performances). No booking is required for general visits, but event bookings are recommended viawww.themodel.ie.
- A visit typically takes 1–2 hours, longer if attending events or workshops. The compact size makes it easy to pair with nearby attractions like Sligo Abbey or the W.B. Yeats Statue.
- Cultural Significance: The Model is a cultural beacon in Sligo, reflecting the region’s artistic and literary heritage through its connection to the Yeats family and Nora Niland’s vision. Its multidisciplinary approach—integrating visual art, music, film, and education—creates a dynamic experience that appeals to both locals and international visitors.
What’s New:
- Exhibition Programme (January–August 2025): The Model has announced a robust lineup of exhibitions running through mid-2025, including:
- Chorus in Rememory of Flight by Julianknxx (until June 7, 2025): A multimedia exploration of African culture and memory, featuring choral performances.
- No Irish Need Apply by Marianne Keating (until June 7, 2025): An installation examining Irish diaspora experiences.
- The Dreaming Road by Jack B. Yeats (until August 16, 2025): A focused display of Yeats’s works, emphasizing his Sligo-inspired paintings. These exhibitions reflect The Model’s commitment to contemporary issues and regional heritage.
- Africa Day 2025 – Voices of Home (June 1, 2025): A free live event celebrating African culture and community, featuring choral performances and cultural activities, reinforcing The Model’s inclusive programming.
- Guided Tours and Events: New guided tours, such as The Dreaming Road tour (June 7–August 16, 2025) and Salt Water Ballads group tour (July 5, 2025), offer deeper engagement with exhibitions. An Informal Music Afternoon on June 5, 2025, provides free access to live music, augmenting the visitor experience. Booking is essential for these events.
- Fáilte Ireland Support: As part of Fáilte Ireland’s 2025 push for sustainable tourism along the Wild Atlantic Way, The Model may receive funding for enhanced digital interpretive tools or accessibility upgrades, aligning with regional goals to extend the tourism season and attract international visitors.
- Visitor Number Recovery: After a 10% drop in visitors in 2024 (from 44,765 in 2022 to second place in Sligo’s attractions), The Model aims to regain its top spot through expanded programming and community outreach, building on its status as Sligo’s leading attraction in 2022.
Visitor Expectations:
- Space Constraints: The Niland Collection’s size means only a fraction is displayed at once, which may disappoint visitors seeking specific works. Checking www.themodel.ie for current displays or requesting specific pieces in advance is advisable.
- Event-Driven The Model’s vibrancy peaks during events like concerts or workshops. General visits without scheduled activities may feel less dynamic, so checking the event calendar is key.
- The focus on Jack B. Yeats and regional artists may overshadow broader Irish art narratives or socio-political contexts, such as the economic challenges faced by rural artists. Visitors seeking deeper analysis should engage with guides or explore temporary exhibitions addressing contemporary issues.
- While generally accessible, the historic building’s upper floors (artist studios) may pose challenges for some. Confirming accessibility needs in advance is recommended.
- The Model, Home of the Niland Collection, offers a rich cultural experience with its renowned art collection, contemporary exhibitions, vibrant music and film programmes, and inclusive educational offerings. The stunning building, scenic Yeats Secret Garden, and welcoming café make it a recommended visit in Sligo Town., new exhibitions like Chorus in Rememory of Flight and The Dreaming Road, alongside events like Africa Day and enhanced tours, will elevate its appeal. Visitors should check www.themodel.ie for event schedules and book tickets for performances or tour.
