The National Craft Gallery is one of the most exciting artistic venues in the country. A commitment to excellence and innovation allows us to showcase some of the finest examples of contemporary craft.
Exhibitions Programme
Opening Times
The Gallery
The National Craft Gallery is the Crafts Council of Ireland’s flagship exhibition space. It is housed in Castle Yard, the former stables of Kilkenny Castle. In 1965 these late 18th century buildings were converted to house Kilkenny Design Workshops. Today they are home to the CCoI headquarters.
In 2000 architect Orna Hanley was commissioned to create a groundbreaking exhibition space. Fresh from her success designing the Irish Pavillion at Expo 2000 in Hanover, Germany, she transformed the rooms into an airy, light-filled gallery. Gallery 1 and Gallery 2 are the perfect homes for our stunning exhibitions. They also attract tens of thousands of visitors every year.
The National Craft Gallery is an inspirational outlet where craftspeople can develop new and
innovative designs. We offer them the challenges and opportunities of a year-round exhibitions programme and the chance to have their work seen by their peers and the general public.
Exhibitions Programme
The National Craft Gallery has an exciting national and international Exhibitions Programme.
Talented makers and imaginative curators are responsible for our critically acclaimed Exhibitions Programme. Textiles, glass, ceramics, jewellery, furniture, baskets... this major public space stimulates practitioners and captures the imagination of visitors.  Michael McCrory
We provide opportunities for designer-makers at all levels to show their work. LOOT!, Of Colour in Craft, Irish Basket Making and Collectors Events are just some of the exhibitions that have inspired audiences both at home and abroad. And, of course, Forty Shades of Green, the most significant show yet staged by the National Craft Gallery.
We will continue to support work with broadens perceptions of craft and its cultural and commercial value. The National Craft Gallery is proud to showcase the confidence, skill and talent of Irish makers. We are also delighted to introduce people to groundbreaking international work. back to top ^ Touring
Introducing contemporary Irish craft to an international audience.
New York, Philadelphia, Georgia, Memphis, The Netherlands, Scotland, Wales, Norway, Lithuania. These are just a few of the places that have hosted exhibitions that first came to life in Kilkenny.
The National Craft Gallery is dedicated to raising the international profile of Irish craft. A growing number of our exhibitions now tour both nationally and internationally. Loot!, Of Colour in Craft, Irish Basket Making and Forty Shades of Green are just some of the shows that have wowed audiences overseas.
We also provide once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to show at prestigious international events. SOFA Chicago, LOOT! at the Museum of Arts And Design New York and the Philadelphia Museum of Arts Craft Show are wonderful platforms from which to launch Ireland’s most talented craftspeople. Supported by the Crafts Council of Ireland, our top makers are taking their place on the world stage.
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Visiting
Showcasing inspiring work from around the world.
The National Craft Gallery has been delighted to show the work of some of the world’s top craftspeople. Jewellers from Norway, glass artists from Britain, applied artists from Lithuania and textile artists from America - we are honoured to introduce their inspiring work to Ireland.
The Gallery regularly hosts prestigious international exhibitions such Jerwood Applied Arts Prizes, Norwegian Contemporary Glass & Jewellery and Fibre: A New World View.
We constantly forge links abroad. One of the most rewarding to date is our relationship with the Royal Norwegian Embassy, leading to a number of exciting exhibitions in Kilkenny. We have also opened our space to the world-renowned Snyderman Works Gallery,Philadelphia, Galerie Tactus, Copenhagen, Contemporary Ceramics, London and Bluecoat, Liverpool.
International collectors and curators have developed a strong interest in our gallery. Donna Schneier of the Museum of Arts & Design, New York and the Beeld and Aambeeld Gallery from the Netherlands are strong supporters of the work of Irish makers.
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Collectors
A passion for Ireland’s finest craft. There is a growing appreciation for the work of Ireland’s finest craftspeople. Collecting contemporary craft is fast becoming a highly regarded activity. As valid as collecting contemporary art, top quality pieces feature in the world’s most prestigious public collections. Collect in London’s V&A and SOFA (Sculptural Objects and Functional Art) in New York and Chicago have helped introduce craft to high-end buyers.  Angela O' Kelly
The Crafts Council of Ireland is now dedicated to giving Ireland its very own Collector’s Events. We are committed to holding a number or Collectors Events each year. The beautiful Hunt Museum in Limerick and Kilkenny Arts Festival are two venues that have attracted private collectors, museum curators and corporate collectors. These events are specially selected to introduce dedicated and novice collectors to our leading artists. Gallery Opening Times The National Craft Gallery is open: Monday to Saturday from 10.00am to 5.30pm
and Sunday's from 11.00am to 5.30pm. (NOTE: Closed one Sunday's January to March inclusive) Admission is free back to top ^ |
