National Museum launches master vision statement

A 15-year master vision statement for the National Museum of Ireland (NMI), including Turlough Park, Castlebar, has been launched.

Connecting our Past and our Future 2018 – 2032 sets out a roadmap for transforming the NMI into an institution of international standing, by modernising its facilities and promoting learning, creativity and inspiration through engaging experiences.

A detailed masterplan for each site will be developed to address their individual needs.

Under Project 2040 and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht’s capital development plan for 2018-2027, the government announced its intention to invest €85 million in NMI facilities in the next 10 years. This investment, which was the largest single capital investment outlined in the plan, will be used for the redevelopment of the Natural History Museum on Merrion Street (2018 – 2021) and the Museum of Archaeology on Kildare Street (2022 – 2027).

In respect of Turlough Park, plans include the following:

* Develop the site as a museum of social history.

* Develop the site to include additional parking facilities; develop a dedicated collections resource centre for NMI – Country Life; and provide greater connectivity within the site to the various museum buildings.

* Upgrade and expand exhibition spaces, including a dedicated space for special exhibitions to complement permanent exhibitions.