Beloved by young and old alike, the Science Gallery Dublin, located at Trinity College Dublin on Pearse Street, was a dynamic venue where art and science intersect to inspire creativity and discovery, particularly targeting young adults aged 15–25. At its peak in 2018 it attracted 339,264 visitors.
It became known for its innovative, temporary exhibitions and free entry, it has been a cultural highlight in Dublin since opening in 2008. However, the gallery closed in February 2022 due to financial challenges and has not reopened as of May 2025, with no confirmed plans to reopen. Reopening was expected in summer 2023, but did not occur. In December 2024, Trinity announced that, after the failure to find a sustainable business model, the Science Gallery would not reopen and the space would be used instead for a dedicated student centre.
Science Gallery Dublin was unique for its lack of a permanent collection, instead hosting three to four temporary exhibitions annually that blend art, science, technology, and design. Past exhibitions explored themes like:
- BIAS: BUILT THIS WAY (2019): Examined human and machine bias in AI and society.
- PERFECTION (2019): Explored symmetry, engineering, and obsession through art and science.
- INTIMACY (2018): Investigated human connection in a hyperconnected world.
- SOUND CHECK: MAKE IT, PLAY IT (2017): Featured interactive music and sound experiments.
- SYSTEMS (2020): A COVID-adapted “exhibition-in-a-box” exploring visible and invisible systems.
Exhibitions were interactive, encouraging visitors to engage with installations, participate in experiments, and discuss global issues like AI, sustainability, or mental health.
- Engaging Events and Workshops: The gallery offered a cutting-edge programme of talks, workshops, music performances, and film screenings, often tied to exhibition themes. Highlights included:
- Collaborations with scientists, artists, and researchers (e.g., Luke O’Neill’s talks on immunology).
- Hands-on workshops like building synthesizers or exploring food science in EDIBLE (2012).
- Public participation in research, such as psychological experiments during LAB IN THE GALLERY (2012).
- These events fostered social connections and made complex topics accessible, especially for young adults.
- Venue and Atmosphere: Housed in the Naughton Institute, the gallery’s 1,200 m² glass-fronted space on Pearse Street featured large display windows, a lecture theatre, and a lively café. The modern, open design created a vibrant social hub, with mediators (trained staff) guiding visitors to spark discussions on exhibits. The gallery’s unconventional hours (noon to 8:00 PM) mirrored a record shop vibe, encouraging frequent visits.
Visitor Amenities:
- Café: The Science Gallery Café, praised as one of the best in science centres, served Cloud Picker coffee, hearty soups, salads, sandwiches, and pizza.
- Gift Shop: Offered books, science kits, and unique souvenirs tied to exhibitions.
- Free Entry: No admission fee, though some events required tickets (often free or low-cost, booked via www.dublin.sciencegallery.com).
- The gallery was wheelchair-accessible, with an entrance on Pearse Street near Westland Row DART station. Public transport options included Luas (Trinity stop), Dublin Bus, and DART. Limited on-street parking was available 5–10 minutes away.
- Family-Friendly Features: Aimed at 15–25-year-olds, the gallery was less suited for young children due to complex themes but engaged teens with interactive exhibits and workshops. Families could enjoy the café and nearby Trinity College attractions.
Visitor Logistics:
- Hours (pre-closure): Typically noon–8:00 PM, closed between exhibitions. Naughton Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, D02 VR66.
- Visits lasted 60–90 minutes, depending on exhibition engagement and events.
- Visitor Feedback: Rated highly (Travellers’ Choice on TripAdvisor), visitors praised the “mind-blowing” interactive exhibits, mediators’ enthusiasm, and free entry. Some found exhibitions “half-baked” in later years or not suited for all ages, but the gallery was lauded as a unique STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Maths) hub.
Current Status
Science Gallery Dublin closed on February 28, 2022, after Trinity College Dublin (TCD) announced it was no longer financially viable, having run up a €2m deficit during the pandemic. The decision, made without public consultation, sparked backlash from academics, scientists, and the public, who valued its role as Dublin’s only dedicated science-art space.
- In November 2022, TCD issued a tender to partner with an external cultural entity to develop a sustainable operating model, with plans to reopen in summer/autumn 2023. However, as of May 2025, the gallery remains closed, and a December 2024 Irish Times report confirmed it will not reopen due to the failure to find a sustainable business model.
- Despite government intervention in 2022 (funding offers from the Departments of Higher Education and Arts) and public support from figures like Taoiseach Micheál Martin, no viable plan emerged. The closure is seen as a loss for Dublin’s cultural and scientific community, with critics noting the city’s shift toward hotels and offices over public spaces.
- No Confirmed Reopening: As of May 2025, there are no confirmed plans to reopen Science Gallery Dublin. The Irish Times report (December 2024) suggests TCD has abandoned efforts. The website (www.dublin.sciencegallery.com) (www.dublin.sciencegallery.com) and social media (e.g., Instagram, last updated 2023) remain inactive, reinforcing the closure’s permanence.
- Virtual or Off-Site Events: The Science Gallery Network, led by Science Gallery International, continues globally (e.g., in London, Melbourne, Bengaluru). In 2025, Dublin-based virtual events or collaborations may occur, such as online talks or pop-up exhibitions at alternative venues like CHQ’s EPIC museum basement, confirmed by curator Vicky Twomey-Lee.
- Legacy Projects: The gallery’s influence persists through the Science Gallery Network, with potential 2025 initiatives like the SYSTEMS publication or virtual EN(COMPASS) Art-Science Conversation Series. The Trinity Student Scientific Review launch or similar academic events may reference the gallery’s legacy.
- A 2025 MSI Symposium at University College Dublin (not directly tied to Science Gallery) may highlight STEAM initiatives, sparking discussions about a new Dublin science-art venue.
- Site Repurposing: The Naughton Institute space will be repurposed for other TCD uses (e.g., research or commercial), though no 2025 plans are specified. The café has relocated across Pearse Street, and a new coffee vendor operates in the original space, receiving mixed reviews.
- Nearby Attractions: Visit Trinity College’s Zoological Museum, National Gallery of Ireland, or EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, which may host science-related events.
- Virtual Content: Check www.sciencegallery.org for global Science Gallery Network events, such as online talks or publications.
- For those seeking similar experiences, consider Dublin’s National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology (Kildare Street) for history or the Dead Zoo (Natural History, Merrion Street) for science, though it’s closed for refurbishment in 2025. For inquiries, contact TCD at info@tcd.ie or +353 1 896 1000, or check www.visitdublin.com for other STEAM attractions.
