A MEETING of senior officials took place this week at the proposed site of a new National Museum of Ireland (NMI), with leaders from the Office of Public Works (OPW), the Department of Culture, the JP McManus Foundation, and the NMI all attending.
The meeting represents a speedy next move in the proposal for a landmark cultural development that will ensure women’s experiences, achievements, and voices are permanently recognised within Ireland’s national museum framework.
The proposed new museum would form part of the National Museum of Ireland and would be located at the landmark former International Rugby Experience (IRE) building on O’Connell Street, marking a major regional investment and a significant step in advancing gender representation within Ireland’s cultural infrastructure.
The proposal is being considered by key stakeholders including the OPW, NMI, and philanthropic partners including the JP McManus Foundation.
County Limerick TD and Minister for Culture, Communications, and Sport Patrick O’Donovan said: “This is a defining moment for Ireland’s cultural landscape. For too long, the stories of women — their leadership, their resilience, their creativity and their contribution to our nation — have been underrepresented within our national narrative.”
“Establishing a National Museum of Ireland that puts a focus on women’s stories corrects that imbalance in a meaningful and permanent way.”
The Minister said that he is particularly proud that the museum, with the support of the team in the National Museum, and once approved by government, will be located in Limerick.
“It represents not only cultural investment at a national level, but a powerful statement about regional development and ensuring that our national institutions are truly national in reach and ambition.”
The proposed museum will present exhibitions and programming that explore the social, political, economic, scientific, sporting, and cultural contributions of women throughout Irish history and contemporary life.
The initiative has received strong philanthropic backing. Sue Ann McManus of the McManus Foundation said that “recognising and amplifying women’s stories is essential to understanding who we are as a society”.
“The McManus Foundation is honoured to support a project that will ensure these stories are told with the depth, respect and visibility they deserve.”
“Locating the museum in Limerick aligns with our long-standing commitment to supporting transformative projects in the region that have national impact.”
Professor Cathal O’Donoghue, chair of the National Museum of Ireland, added: “This development represents an important evolution for the National Museum of Ireland. Our collections already hold extraordinary material relating to women’s lives, but this dedicated focus allows us to present those stories in a coherent and powerful way.”
“It will open new opportunities for collecting, research, partnerships and public engagement. Most importantly, it will ensure that women’s stories are embedded at the heart of our national cultural memory.”
Discussions regarding the establishment of the new museum follows engagement between the Departure of Culture and the JP McManus Foundation.