The next chapter in ‘Reimagining the National Library’ begins
This redevelopment will be the most significant change in the public experience of the National Library of Ireland since we first opened our doors on Kildare Street in 1890, transforming how people access and engage with our national collections.
New exhibition spaces will allow more of the 12 million items in the national collections to be displayed, from medieval manuscripts and historic maps to photographs, sheet music and contemporary digital collections. An expanded programme of permanent and temporary exhibitions will create new opportunities to share Ireland's stories with the public . All exhibitions will be free of charge, accessible and bilingual.
The redevelopment will also create a new learning hub, a dedicated space for people of all ages to connect with and explore the NLI’s collections through creative workshops, performances, talks, events and other interactive learning and discovery opportunities.
The balcony overlooking our historic Reading Room, frequented by generations of writers, researchers and readers, will be adapted into a publicly accessible viewing gallery. This will give more visitors the opportunity to experience this unique part of Ireland’s literary story, while readers continue work in the quiet of the Reading Room, which will be refurbished.
A new café and book and gift shop will complement the visitor experience, offering inviting spaces to relax, browse and spend time at the Library.
Together, these new and enhanced spaces will extend across six accessible levels, opening up more of the National Library and its collections to readers, visitors, families, school groups and teachers.
Dr Audrey Whitty, Director of the National Library of Ireland, said:
"Today’s announcement marks an important milestone in the redevelopment of the National Library of Ireland. Since the NLI opened its doors in 1890, we have welcomed generations of readers, researchers, writers and visitors through our doors. Now we are reimagining the library for the generations to come. We are excited to share more of Ireland’s story with you, through exhibitions, events and other opportunities this redevelopment brings. We are looking forward to seeing these spaces come to life, filled with people of all ages learning, creating and enjoying all that the National Library of Ireland has to offer. That is the future we are building towards, and we are excited to share this next chapter with you.”
This project is being delivered in partnership with the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport (DCCS), and the Office of Public Works (OPW). It is a flagship initiative under the Government's National Cultural Institutions Investment Programme, outlined in the National Development Plan, Project Ireland 2040.
NLI New Circulation Core - concept © OPW
Visitor Gallery CGI - FKP Architects
NLI Education Room - concept © Digital Dimension
Kildare St Entrance, Digital Dimensions
Discover more
