Works to start on Crawford project

The construction project for the redevelopment of Crawford Art Gallery in Cork city is officially underway.

The project’s contractor, PJ Hegarty and Sons, is expected to start on site in early 2026 with the project due to be completed in mid-2028. The gallery fit-out, commissioning, and re-occupation will then follow prior to the opening.

Designed by Grafton Architects, the redevelopment of Crawford Art Gallery is a major project under the National Development Plan. The objective of the project is to deliver an expanded and revitalised Crawford Gallery that will serve as a significant artistic and cultural amenity in Cork city.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, along with Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran TD, welcomed the commencement of the project on Friday.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “Today marks a significant step in the redevelopment of the Crawford Art Gallery which is many years in the making.

“It is vitally important that we invest in our country’s cultural infrastructure. This investment demonstrates that Government is committed to enhancing the cultural lives of our citizens through our national cultural institutions."

Beginning life as a custom house in 1724, the Crawford has operated as a school of art, a municipal art gallery, and a national cultural institution.

Mary McCarthy, Director, Crawford Art Gallery, welcomed the commencement of construction, saying it is “an exciting moment for everyone who loves Crawford Art Gallery”.

She said: “The actual start on site of this redevelopment marks the beginning of a new and exciting chapter - one that will deliver renewed and expanded spaces for visitors, artists, and future generations to enjoy and be inspired by.

“We are ambitious for Cork, the region, and the impact that culture can contribute to city centre and regional vibrancy.”

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan said: “I am delighted that as the only National Cultural Institution located entirely outside of Dublin, implementation of the Crawford Art Gallery redevelopment can now begin.

“Following the tricentenary of the building in 2024, it is timely that this historic site once again reinvents itself.”

Rose McHugh, Chair, Crawford Art Gallery, added: “This is a very significant moment in the history of Crawford Art Gallery. The ambitious and well considered redevelopment will ensure that the Gallery remains at the heart of the cultural life of Cork and Ireland for generations to come.”

For more information and to keep up to date with the Crawford Art Gallery, visit crawfordartgallery.ie.