A NEW branch of the National Museum of Ireland could be set to open in Limerick which is dedicated to telling “women’s stories”.
The new museum has been proposed to government, Culture Minister Patrick O’Donovan has confirmed.
Minister O’Donovan plans to accept a purpose-built exhibition property on O’Connell Street, in Limerick - the home of the former International Rugby Experience - under the State Property Act 1954.
The property is currently owned by the McManus Family, who are supportive of the initiative.
Minister O’Donovan plans to use the building to provide a new regional branch of the National Museum of Ireland which will host a permanent exhibition telling the stories of women in Ireland.
The move follows the recommendation of a recently published report of the Women’s Advisory Committee on Women’s Stories.
“This magnificent building presents a wonderful opportunity to enhance the cultural footprint in Limerick and the wider Mid-West and I would like to thank Mr McManus and his team for supporting this shared vision for the region,” Minister O’Donovan said today.
“It offers great potential to amplify the representation of women’s voices and lived experiences, in all their diversity, and with a special focus on under-represented and marginalised communities,” he explained.
“It is a significant step in expanding the reach of our national cultural institutions beyond the capital, It will join the Crawford Gallery in Cork, now undergoing a major redevelopment project, and the Museum of Country Living in Co. Mayo as a new regional centre.
“This is very much in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government to ensure that our national cultural institutions reach right across the country.
“Furthermore, I believe that a new museum dedicated to women’s stories would respond very meaningfully to the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Women’s Stories.
The multi award-winning Limerick building, which was completed in 2023, was designed by Niall McLaughlin, this year’s RIBA Royal Gold medal winner and previous winner of the RIBA Stirling Prize for architectural excellence.
As well as providing a permanent space to tell Irish women’s stories, under the proposals the site could also provide space for other exhibitions, including temporary exhibitions, under the National Museum of Ireland.
“I am conscious that there is a detailed process to undertake to realise this proposal, and I know that developing any new museum is a sensitive and complex process,” Minister O’Donovan added.
“There are many factors to be considered, which will take time to fully work through.
“I am committed to working collaboratively with all involved to fully explore the potential and feasibility of this and I welcome the support of my Government colleagues as I and my Department work through this process.”
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