Locals offered early chance to see Kilkenny’s historical future as €4m building set to open
A major tourism initiative which will attract thousands to one of Kilkenny’s most historic buildings is close to completion and people are being offered a sneak peek inside before it officially opens.
Kilkenny County Council are to host an Open Day of the fully refurbished Evan Home, which will be the new site of the city’s fabled Butler Gallery on Saturday, March 14.
A council spokesperson says: “This is an opportunity to view another high-quality conservation project, recently completed by Kilkenny County Council, and the latest addition to Kilkenny’s medieval experience in Kilkenny’s Cultural Quarter.”
The Evans’ Home site, located in the heart of the city, is rich in archaeological heritage but has been largely hidden from view until now.
In addition to the refurbishment of the historic building itself, the development delivers a significant new area of public open spaces which will include a Children’s Garden, an Archaeological Garden, a Sculpture Garden and a new pedestrian connection from John Street through the site to John’s Quay.
The eagerly awaited finished building which took 20 months to construct at a cost of around €4 million, will be the new home for The Butler Gallery which is currently located at Kilkenny Castle.
Three information sessions will take place throughout the day starting at 10am, with the other two at 12pm and 3pm. These will chart the progress of the project from design to completion.
Entry to this event is free-of-charge but booking is essential through eventbrite.ie.
