Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, along with Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, today welcomed the commencement of the construction project for the redevelopment of Crawford Art Gallery in Cork.
Designed by Grafton Architects, the redevelopment of Crawford Art Gallery is a major project under the National Development Plan and is a once in a multi-generation investment by the State to redevelop and restore a landmark, heritage building in Cork City Centre.
The objective of the project is to deliver an expanded and revitalised Crawford Gallery that will be a significant artistic and cultural amenity for Ireland in Cork City and brings to conclusion a project that has been planned for many years.
The redevelopment will contribute to Cork’s City Centre regeneration, strengthening and enhancing the city’s cultural reputation locally, nationally and internationally.
Speaking in the Crawford Art Gallery, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said:
“Today marks a significant step in the redevelopment of the Crawford Art Gallery which is many years in the making.
It is vitally important that we invest in our country’s cultural infrastructure. This investment demonstrates that Government is committed to enhancing the cultural lives of our citizens through our National Cultural Institutions.
The redevelopment of the Crawford Art Gallery is set to deliver a landmark building in Cork that will enhance the city centre and cultural life in Cork, Munster and nationally.”
Beginning life as a Custom House in 1724, the Crawford has operated as a School of Art, a municipal art gallery and a National Cultural Institution. It has always grown and adapted, and the redevelopment marks another important moment in the history of the building.
The contractor, PJ Hegarty and Sons, is expected to start on site in early 2026 with the project due to be completed in mid-2028. The Gallery fit-out, commissioning and re-occupation will then follow prior to the opening.
Welcoming the commencement of the project, Minister Patrick O’Donovan said:
“The National Cultural Institution (NCI) Investment Programme remains a key investment programme for my Department. I am delighted that as the only National Cultural Institution located entirely outside of Dublin, implementation of the Crawford Art Gallery redevelopment can now begin.
My Department, along with the OPW and the Crawford Art Gallery have been working towards this day for many years, so it was with great satisfaction that I recently approved the awarding of the contracts. Following the tricentenary of the building in 2024, it is timely that this historic site once again reinvents itself.”
Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran said:
“I am delighted to be here today to witness this significant milestone in the redevelopment of the Crawford Art Gallery. The commencement of the refurbishment works on this historic building will provide a fit for purpose set of galleries and complementary facilities.
The much-needed redevelopment will provide a universally accessible and environmentally sustainable space that will serve to enhance the Crawford Art Gallery Cork experience and the wider local environment. This is an exciting project that will bring culture and urban life closer together. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and the Crawford Art Gallery for their continued collaboration in progressing this significant cultural project.”
Rose McHugh - Chair, Crawford Art Gallery
"This is a very significant moment in the history of Crawford Art Gallery. The ambitious and well considered redevelopment will ensure that the Gallery remains at the heart of the cultural life of Cork and Ireland for generations to come.
We extend our gratitude to An Taoiseach, to Minister O'Donovan and his officials at the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, to the Office of Public Works and to the entire project team for their steadfast support throughout every stage of Transforming Crawford Art Gallery.”
Mary Mc Carthy - Director, Crawford Art Gallery
“This is an exciting moment for everyone who loves Crawford Art Gallery. The actual start on site of this redevelopment marks the beginning of a new and exciting chapter - one that will deliver renewed and expanded spaces for visitors, artists, and future generations to enjoy and be inspired by. We are ambitious for Cork, the region, and the impact that culture can contribute to city centre and regional vibrancy.
We are grateful to the Minister and the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport for their leadership, to the OPW and to the project team for their collaboration and support. Their expertise will shape a gallery that will stand as a vibrant cultural landmark for the people of Cork and for all who come to experience its magic in the years ahead.”
Crawford Art Gallery closed to the public in autumn 2024.
Most of the collection has been carefully moved to secure offsite storage, with each artwork undergoing meticulous condition checks and wrapping to ensure the utmost care for the treasured artworks. Expert conservators will continue to work on care of the collection during the public closure period. Crawford Art Gallery is also working with colleagues across the museum and gallery sector on the island of Ireland to tour and share the Collection here.
It is currently anticipated the construction phase will take 122 weeks and that the gallery will reopen mid 2028.
For regular updates on the project throughout the public closure period, please sign up to our newsletter or follow our social media channels.
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