Crawford Art Gallery
A transforming cultural institution housing classical casts and Irish masterworks, temporarily closed for reimagining until 2027.
Crawford Art Gallery, located in Cork's city centre beside the Opera House, is a National Cultural Institution housing over 3,500 artworks spanning from 18th-century European masterpieces to contemporary installations. The gallery is temporarily closed for a major €30 million redevelopment project that began in September 2024 and is expected to conclude in 2027. During this closure, the gallery's renowned collection—including the famous Canova Casts from the Vatican Museum and works by celebrated Irish artists—will be accessible through loans to institutions across Ireland.
A brief summary to Crawford Art Gallery
- 1 Emmett Pl, Cork, Centre, T12 YHN7, IE
- +353214805042
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-8 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 11 am-4 pm
Local tips
- The gallery is temporarily closed until 2027 for major redevelopment. Check the official website for updates on loaned exhibitions at other Irish institutions where you can view Crawford's collection during the closure.
- When the gallery reopens, plan to spend 2–3 hours exploring the permanent collection, with particular attention to the Canova Casts and the Sculpture Gallery on the ground floor.
- Free guided tours will resume after reopening; these are highly recommended for understanding the historical context and significance of the artworks and the building itself.
- The gallery's location beside the Opera House makes it easy to combine with other cultural attractions in Cork's city centre during your visit.
- The new rooftop gallery, opening in 2027, will offer views of Cork's iconic landmarks including Shandon and Saint Finbarre's Cathedral—a feature to anticipate upon reopening.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the city centre near Emmet Place, including services from Cork Bus Station approximately 800 metres away. Journey time from the station is roughly 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. Bus fares are approximately €2–3 for a single journey within the city. Service frequency is typically every 15–30 minutes during peak hours.
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Walking
From Cork City Centre, the gallery is easily accessible on foot. From the English Market (approximately 300 metres away), it is a 5–7 minute walk through the city streets. The route is flat, well-lit, and clearly signposted. From Cork Bus Station (approximately 800 metres), allow 10–12 minutes. The area is pedestrian-friendly with good pavement coverage.
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Taxi or Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-share services operate throughout Cork city. Journey time from Cork Airport is approximately 20–25 minutes depending on traffic; typical fares range from €25–35. From Cork Bus Station, the journey is approximately 5–10 minutes with fares around €8–12. Services are available 24 hours, though peak-time surcharges may apply.
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Parking
Several car parks are located within walking distance of Emmet Place, including the Lavitt's Quay car park (approximately 150 metres) and the City Centre car park (approximately 250 metres). Parking charges typically range from €1.50–2.50 per hour, with daily rates around €12–15. On-street parking is limited and subject to time restrictions; check signage carefully.
Crawford Art Gallery location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Crawford Art Gallery
A Heritage Building with Artistic Significance
Crawford Art Gallery occupies a building originally constructed in 1724 as Cork's custom house, a structure that has been carefully preserved and extended over centuries. The gallery's heritage architecture, enhanced by an 1884 extension as the Crawford School of Art, creates an intimate and contemplative environment for viewing art. The building's Georgian-era features and well-proportioned galleries have long been praised as an "oasis of calm" in the heart of the bustling city centre, offering visitors a serene setting to engage with visual art across multiple floors and periods.The Collection: From Classical Casts to Contemporary Vision
At the heart of Crawford Art Gallery's collection are the Canova Casts—a remarkable assemblage of Greek and Roman sculpture reproductions brought to Cork in 1818 directly from the Vatican Museum in Rome. These plaster casts represent a significant cultural acquisition that has anchored the gallery's identity for over two centuries. Beyond these classical treasures, the permanent collection encompasses approximately 3,500 works, including 18th-century Irish and European paintings, 19th and early 20th-century Irish art featuring luminaries such as Seán Keating, Harry Clarke, Norah McGuinness, Mainie Jellett, and Jack B. Yeats, and contemporary pieces by artists including Eilis O'Connell, Gerard Byrne, Dorothy Cross, and Hughie O'Donoghue. The Sculpture Gallery on the ground floor remains one of the most celebrated sections, while the Harry Clarke stained glass room offers a distinctive artistic experience.Educational Mission and Community Engagement
Crawford Art Gallery has served as a critical institution within Ireland's cultural infrastructure, welcoming over 250,000 visitors annually and functioning as the regional art museum for Munster. The gallery's Learn and Explore programmes have fostered deep engagement with art through workshops, lectures, and school outreach initiatives. Free guided tours, previously offered on Sundays and public holidays at 2:00 PM and Thursdays at 6:30 PM, were led by knowledgeable art historians who contextualised the collection's history and significance. The gallery's affiliation with the Crawford College of Art and Design further enriched its educational offerings and cultural relevance.Transformation and Future Vision
Crawford Art Gallery closed to the public on September 23, 2024, to undergo a transformative €30 million redevelopment project funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and the Office of Public Works as part of Project Ireland 2040. Led by the internationally acclaimed architectural firm Grafton Architects, the project will expand the gallery by 1,919 square metres of new exhibition and public areas while refurbishing 3,641 square metres of existing space. A new rooftop gallery on the fifth floor will offer panoramic views of Cork landmarks including Shandon and Saint Finbarre's Cathedral, while the historic Custom House entrance on Emmet Place will be restored with enhanced landscaping. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2025, with completion anticipated in 2027.Accessing the Collection During Closure
While the gallery building remains inaccessible throughout 2025, Crawford's collection continues to reach audiences through strategic loans to other Irish cultural institutions. Artworks from the permanent collection are being displayed at Doneraile Court, Cork Public Museum, Hillsborough Castle, and the National Gallery of Ireland, ensuring that visitors to Ireland can still encounter these significant works. Art enthusiasts are encouraged to monitor the gallery's official website and social media channels for updates on loan locations and any virtual offerings that may emerge during the redevelopment period.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Koto
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The Woodford
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The Old Town Whiskey Bar at Bodega
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Cultural Heritage
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Architectural Shots
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Wheelchair Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
