Open House Dublin 2013 Launched
Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, has launched the programme of the Irish Architecture Foundation’s OPEN HOUSE DUBLIN 2013, which takes place from 4 to 6 October 2013. Over one weekend, 100 great buildings, from the obvious to the overlooked, will open up their doors to allow citizens and visitors explore the architecture of their city, with special tours by hundreds of professionals and enthusiasts, completely for free.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Deenihan said “The idea of Open House Dublin is so simple but so powerful: to visit great buildings, in the company of an expert guide, for free. This year’s programme features buildings that keep the city running, buildings as landmarks, buildings with surprises, buildings known mainly to small communities – truly from the obvious to the overlooked. They tell many stories, from the glamour of a luxury hotel to the practical requirements of healthcare, from domestic extensions to civic aspirations, but most of all they tell the story of architectural merit and really good design. I am proud that Dublin is one of the best-established of the 22 cities worldwide that deliver Open House, and am delighted that my Department was once again able to support Open House Dublin in 2013.”
This year’s 100 have been chosen to surprise and delight the public, with 60% of the venues new to the programme and each one offering a unique insight into Dublin’s architectural story. Buildings sure to capture public imagination this year include Google Docks, our launch venue and corporate home to a company celebrating 10 years in Dublin; the admired and accomplished RTÉ Radio and Television Centres, by Ronald Tallon / Scott Tallon Walker; the Royal Victoria Baths in Dún Laoghaire, closed since the 1980s but the subject of numerous renovation plans; the Etihad Skyline at Croke Park, offering unparalleled panoramic views of the city, and Ballyroan Library by Box Architecture, winner of the Irish Architecture Awards Best Public Building 2013 .
There are also, once again, many great private houses to visit, from renovated southside homes -Harty Place, Dublin 8 by Culligan Architects and House on Eaton Square by Lucy Jones Architect – to our most famous home on the northside: Áras an Uachtaráin.
As well as building tours, Open House Dublin 2013 will include Open House Junior, a series of creative events to enable young participants to play architect for the weekend, including hands-on architecture workshops in galleries and museums, and a special “Architrek” event in Dún Laoghaire.
New to this year’s programme are our Mystery Tours – visits to three very special and diverse buildings, available to the public on a lottery basis, details of which will only be revealed on the weekend of Open House Dublin.
The full programme of events will be available free with Totally Dublin magazine TOMORROW, September 4, and also online at www.architecturefoundation.ie/openhouse. A limited number of Open House Dublin maps will be available from City Hall, Dame Street and the GPO, O’Connell Street, from September 12.
