Crawford Art Gallery

Overview

⚠️ Temporarily closed for major redevelopment since September 2024. Expected to reopen in 2028.

The Crawford Art Gallery is Cork's premier public art gallery, housed in an 18th-century customs house on Emmet Place. Its permanent collection spans Irish art from the 18th century to the present, including works by Jack B. Yeats and Seán Keating.

Highlights

• Canova Casts: A rare set of classical plaster casts donated by the Vatican in 1818.
• Contemporary wing: Rotating exhibitions featuring emerging Irish and international artists.
• Gallery café: Run by a well-known Cork restaurateur, serving excellent lunches.

History

The building was originally designed as a customs house in 1724 and later became the Cork School of Design. It was renamed the Crawford Municipal Art Gallery in 1884 after brewer William Horatio Crawford funded its expansion.

Visitor Tips

• Free admission: The permanent collection is always free.
• Events: Check the website for evening talks and exhibition openings.
• Duration: 45–90 minutes.