A work of art: New museum opens on historic Kilkenny city site tomorrow
A brand new art museum will be formally opened by local TD and recently appointed Heritage Minister Malcolm Noonan in Kilkenny city tomorrow. Butler Gallery will open its doors to members of the public on Friday.
Previously located at Kilkenny Castle, Butler Gallery has moved to Evans’ Home on John’s Quay in the centre of the city.
The move forms part of a significant €6 million redevelopment project of the historic site. A wing of the museum has been dedicated to the work of renowned Kilkenny artists Tony and Jane O’Malley.
The 10,000 square feet building contains seven collection galleries which will be used to display the Butler Gallery Collection of 20th-century Irish art. It also boasts a large exhibition space that will feature temporary exhibitions of contemporary art.
The museum sits on the monastic site of St John’s Priory and is surrounded by walled gardens that have been repurposed to accommodate an outdoor sculpture garden, a children’s garden, a wildflower garden and a café with outdoor seating.
Butler Gallery is urging people who want to visit the new museum to book their free tickets online from Eventbrite or their website: https://www.butlergallery.ie/visit/tickets
A spokesperson said: “We can’t wait to see you and ask that you book your free tickets online on Eventbrite in advance of your visit to avoid disappointment.
“Your safety and enjoyment is our paramount concern. To ensure that your visit is as relaxed as possible and to comply with government guidelines regarding Covid-19, we will be monitoring the number of visitors to the Gallery.
“Tickets are available at one hourly intervals from 3pm – 7pm on a first-come first-served basis. We are so excited to welcome you all!”
