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The Model: Sligo's Hub of Art and Culture

Explore contemporary art and Irish heritage at The Model, home to the Niland Collection in Sligo. Free entry, vibrant cultural experiences await!

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The Model, home to the Niland Collection, is a contemporary arts center in Sligo, Ireland, housed in a historic 1862 building. It features modern exhibition spaces, a cinema, artist studios, and a significant collection of 20th-century Irish art, including works by Jack Butler Yeats.

A brief summary to The Model. Home of The Niland Collection.

Local tips

  • Check The Model's schedule for special exhibitions, live music, and film screenings to enhance your visit.
  • If you're interested in Jack Butler Yeats's work, contact The Model in advance to confirm that his pieces are on display.
  • Take advantage of the free admission and explore the diverse range of contemporary and traditional Irish art on display.
  • Consider visiting during the weekday to avoid larger crowds and have a more personal experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Sligo town center, The Model is easily accessible by foot. Head north of the Garavogue River towards The Mall. The Model is located on The Mall, a short walk from O'Connell Street. The walk is generally flat and takes about 10-15 minutes from most central locations.

  • Public Transport

    The Model is a 10-minute walk from the Sligo Bus Station. Upon arrival at the bus station, walk towards O'Connell Street and then turn left onto The Mall. Bus Éireann operates routes from various towns to Sligo. A single fare within Sligo town costs approximately €2-€3.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Sligo town. A short taxi ride from the Sligo Bus or Train Station to The Model will cost approximately €8-€10. Taxi ranks are located throughout the town center.

  • Driving

    If driving from Dublin/Galway, follow the N4 onto the Sligo Ring Road and cross Hughes Bridge. Turn right onto Markievicz Road, then left onto Connaughton Road. The Model is located near the Connaughton Road car parks. Parking costs €3 per day , Monday to Saturday, and Public Holidays. Hourly parking is available in a smaller car park accessible from the daily car park. Parking is free on Sundays.

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Discover more about The Model. Home of The Niland Collection.

The Model, located in the heart of Sligo, is a vibrant center for contemporary arts and home to the Niland Collection. Housed in a distinctive Italianate Palazzo-style building dating back to 1862, originally a Model School, it has been renovated to create a world-class visitor center. The Model offers a diverse program of visual and performing arts, with exhibitions by national and international artists. The Niland Collection, named after former Sligo County Librarian Nora Niland, is a highlight, featuring over 300 works, including pieces by Jack Butler Yeats, Paul Henry, and Louis le Brocquy. Yeats's work holds a special significance, reflecting his time living in Sligo and its surroundings. The Model presents curated exhibitions from the Niland Collection throughout the year, with a focus on Jack Butler Yeats during the summer months. Beyond its art exhibitions, The Model hosts live music performances, film screenings in partnership with the Sligo Film Society, and various cultural events. It also provides artist studios for locally based artists, fostering a thriving creative community. The Model's contemporary design blends seamlessly with the historic structure, creating a welcoming and engaging atmosphere for all visitors.

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