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The Douglas Hyde Gallery of Contemporary Art at Trinity College Dublin

Genevieve Kilbride

History of Art & Architecture Student, Trinity

8 min read • 20 August 2024

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If you have ever spent time in the Arts Building at Trinity, you’ll know that it’s a hub of activity due to the mixture of students, staff and visitors.

While this energy can certainly be invigorating and energising, there is a beauty in having the opportunity to find utter peace only moments away from the main entrance to the building, in the form of The Douglas Hyde Gallery of Contemporary Art. 

As a current student of the Arts Building, on a number of occasions I have myself found escapism within its striking, bare concrete walls, taking time to simply experience my own presence in the company of the gallery.

The Douglas Hyde holds a number of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing international and Irish artists. Whether you’re visiting Trinity campus or on a Dublin culture trail, it should be on every art lover’s list for things to experience in Dublin.

Let’s explore the reasons why.

History of The Douglas Hyde Gallery of Contemporary Art

The Douglas Hyde was founded in 1978. Though a variety of Irish artists had been at this point working in conceptual styles,  it was first publicly funded contemporary art gallery in Ireland.

It was also the first university gallery in Ireland and is situated in a prime location within the grounds of Trinity College Dublin, in heart of Dublin city centre.

The gallery is named after Douglas Hyde (or Dubhghlas de hÍde in Irish) the first President of Ireland and a pivotal figure in the Gaelic revival, reflecting its commitment to cultural and artistic heritage.

A former student of Trinity College, Hyde played a crucial role in forming the Irish Republic during his presidency.

Today, it provides a space for artists to contribute to the international forum of creative expression. The gallery is open five days a week and admission is always free.

Visitors can view exhibitions, and screenings, engage in artists talks and workshops and a rich programme for young people is also available.

During your visit to The Douglas Hyde, you might also enjoy discovering the history of Trinity campus with the Trinity Trails walking tours. Join a knowledgeable guide to walk in the footsteps of past students such as Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker and Samuel Beckett.

Mission and vision

Listen to Georgina Jackson, Director of the Douglas Hyde Gallery of Contemporary Art here:

From its inception, The Douglas Hyde has focused on contemporary art, offering an essential platform for both Irish and international artists.

The gallery frequently hosts concurrent exhibitions that may be thematically or tonally linked.

Exhibitions and events are completely free for all visitors. The Douglas Hyde mission prioritises making contemporary art accessible and relevant. Its funding comes in part from the Arts Council and Trinity College Dublin.

It also plays a significant educational role, regularly hosting lectures, talks and workshops to engage the public and the academic community.

What is contemporary art?

Contemporary art refers to the art of today, created by living artists. It reflects current issues, ideas, and concerns, often pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms and mediums.

It can include a wide range of techniques and materials, such as painting, sculpture, digital media, performance art and installations.

Contemporary artists explore themes like identity, politics, culture, and the environment, making their work relevant and thought-provoking for today’s audience.

Some of the reasons to visit contemporary art spaces include:

• Exposure to new ideas: Contemporary art galleries showcase diverse perspectives, encouraging visitors to think critically and expand their understanding of the world.
• Cultural enrichment: Visiting galleries offers a deeper appreciation of different cultures and social issues. It’s an opportunity to see how artists interpret and respond to the world around them.
• Inspiration: Experiencing contemporary art can spark creativity and inspiration. Whether you’re an artist, a student, or simply an art enthusiast, unique artworks can inspire new ideas and ways of thinking.
• Support for artists: Visiting galleries supports the artistic community by providing a platform for artists to display their work and reach a wider audience. Your visit (and your recommendations) can help sustain this ecosystem.

Who has exhibited at The Douglas Hyde?

The Douglas Hyde boasts a prestigious history of exhibitions featuring acclaimed artists.

Some of the notable Irish artists who have presented pivotal exhibitions include Amanda Coogan, Sam Keogh, Kathy Prendergast, Eva Rothschild, Ciaran Murphy, and Alice Rekab.

The gallery has also brought international artistic talent to Ireland, having hosted exhibitions by significant artists like Marlene Dumas, Gabriel Kuri, and Alice Neel.

Brutalist architectural style

The Douglas Hyde is an exemplar of Brutalist architecture, a style that emerged in the mid-20th century.

It is characterised by its stark, rugged aesthetic and use of raw concrete. Brutalism often emphasises functionality and the exposure of a building’s structural elements, presenting an unadorned, monumental appearance.

Though there are a number of examples of Brutalist buildings to be found across Trinity campus, notably the Arts Building itself, the Douglas Hyde Gallery maintains a unique presentation of the architectural style that dominated the 1960’s and 1970’s worldwide. 

Despite it being constructed primarily through heavy concrete material, the gallery possesses a sense of lightness and contemplation as if stepping into an oratorium. 

I often like to tell people prior to their visit to the gallery how its layout almost evokes the sense of a theatre wherein the lower levels are revealed as you journey through the space, as if it were a stage with the exhibitions functioning as the actors. 

This atmosphere is heightened by the dynamic lighting of the space which is captured through spotlights on the ceiling, furthering the theatricality of the space. 

Design features

Materiality: The building prominently features raw concrete, a hallmark of Brutalist design. This material is left unfinished, creating a textured, almost sculptural quality that highlights the honesty of its construction.

Form and function: The gallery’s design emphasises its structural elements. The functional aspects of the building, such as beams, supports, and circulation spaces are integral to its aesthetic and are exposed and celebrated rather than concealed.

Interiors: Inside, the gallery spaces are designed to be versatile and expansive, providing a blank canvas for contemporary art exhibitions. The use of concrete continues inside, complemented by minimalist finishes that ensure the focus remains on the artworks.

Reflection of its era: The gallery was constructed during a period when Brutalism was widely adopted for institutional buildings, particularly in education and public services. This architectural style was seen as a reflection of modernist ideals, emphasising functionality, social purpose, and the democratisation of space.

Such a feeling is one not often found in other Brutalist structures from the Arts Building to the Former Berkeley Library (designed by the same architect of the Douglas Hyde Gallery, Paul Koralek) which instead are dominated by a lively student presence.

This publicly funded space and its design serves as a testament to the period’s architectural innovation and the gallery’s enduring role in Dublin’s cultural landscape.

Why The Douglas Hyde is well worth a visit

One of my favourite things about galleries and museums is their ability to unite people of a community through creative expression, with The Douglas Hyde being no different. If you have already made to The Douglas Hyde Gallery, why not check out the museum building in Trinity while you are here.

Facilitating a wide range of workshops engaging people of all ages, through literary projects, video screenings, artists talks and other events the gallery provides a space for people in Dublin to share their passion for contemporary art. 

Simultaneously, the gallery collaborates regularly with students of Trinity College Dublin and international colleges via student forum groups.

Within these groups, young adults are enabled to channel their artistic abilities into real-life programming in the gallery. 

Having worked within groups of similar functions myself, I have seen first hand the positive ripple effects of these collectives and the impact they hold in creating a bridge between the art industry and future generations. 

I invite you to visit for yourself to immerse yourself in an exhibition at The Douglas Hyde.

While you’re on campus, you may wish to visit to one of Ireland’s most famous cultural attractions, The Book of Kells Experience. With a new immersive digital experience added to your visit, you will have the opportunity to experience the Book of Kells and Old Library like never before.