IRISH MUSEUM OF MODERN ART AT NIGHT

Visit The Photo Gallery: The Irish Museum Of Modern Art At Night

THE IRISH MUSEUM OF MODERN ART

The Grounds and Gardens at the IMMA, Dublin

The grounds and gardens of the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) in Dublin are a significant part of the visitor experience, encompassing 48 acres of land surrounding the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, the museum's historic home. The overall site has a rich history, once including ancient burial grounds, a Viking settlement, and a medieval monastery, before the Royal Hospital was founded in 1684.

Key Features of the Grounds

The extensive grounds combine formal elements with natural and historical areas:

• Formal Gardens: The most prominent feature is the early 17th-century formal walled garden, located below the North Terrace (formerly the Master's Garden). While not a strict historical reconstruction, it is a re-creation in the spirit of a 17th and 18th-century Classical garden, befitting the architecture of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. It features:
  • Topiary, ornamentation, and a grand fountain.
  • Main axes lined with pleached limes.
  • Box-hedged walks and classic statuary.
  • Historically, this area transitioned from a pleasure garden to a market garden for the hospital's residents.
• Meadows and Wildflower Areas: Parts of the grounds, such as the former Pensioners' Graveyard and Bully's Acre, have been transformed into wildflower meadows to support pollinators and biodiversity. This includes species like Hay Rattle, orchids, and poppies, providing a habitat for numerous birds and butterflies.
• Art in the Grounds: The grounds and gardens are used as an outdoor gallery, with various sculptures from the IMMA Collection strategically placed throughout the landscape, creating a juxtaposition of modern and contemporary art against the historic setting.
• Historical and Ecological Trails: Visitors can explore the grounds using resources like the Plants, Flowers and Trees Trail and the IMMA Heritage Trail, which highlight the ecological and historical significance of different areas, including the Officers' Cemetery, Bully's Acre, and the former stables.
• Outdoor Programmes: The setting is frequently used for IMMA Outdoors, a programme that features performances, talks, workshops, and tours, making the grounds an active cultural space.

The combination of the formal, manicured gardens, the expansive natural meadows, and the integration of modern art installations offers a tranquil yet engaging environment for visitors to explore, contrasting beautifully with the Classical architecture of the Royal Hospital.