‘Obelisk of Bronze’ by Michael Warren, the tallest sculpture in Crawford Art Gallery’s collection, being removed by crane ahead of major redevelopment works. Photo Darragh Kane
The Crawford Art Gallery has reassured the people of Cork it will reopen on schedule in 2027 after a multi-million euro redevelopment, the Cork Independent can reveal.
The gallery confirmed to this newspaper it will not reopen any earlier than 2027 as it prepares for the extensive renovations.
“We recognise that the public will miss the gallery during the necessary closure period, but the redevelopment will ensure the gallery can thrive into the future,” Rose McHugh, Chair of Crawford Art Gallery, said.
“This development is extremely good news for Crawford Art Gallery and for Cork.
“This unprecedented public investment demonstrates confidence in Crawford Art Gallery, Cork city’s cultural heritage, and its future potential,” she added.
Members of the public watched on in amazement on Tuesday as the gallery’s tallest sculpture was removed using a crane ahead of the renovation works that are due to begin next month.
The towering ‘Obelisk of Bronze’, by Irish sculptor Michael Warren, has been in the garden of the gallery since the 1990s and was lifted out by crane on Tuesday morning.
The obelisk’s removal also marked the official announcement by gallery director Mary McCarthy that Crawford Art Gallery is to close to the public on 22 September for at least two and a half years.
The temporary closure will see the addition of 50% of additional space incorporating increased spaces for exhibitions, new state-of-the-art storage for the gallery’s collection, and a new learn and explore facility for educational programmes.
A restaurant facing onto Half Moon Street will also be added, as well as a new entrance restored to the original historic Customs House entrance on Emmet Place, with new landscaping.
The project will also include a new public gallery on the top floor. five-storey extension, as well as improved accessibility, lifts, and toilet facilities over several floors.
The tendering process for the redevelopment project was announced in May and the gallery has confirmed that the process is not yet complete and can take up to nine months. The Crawford expects a contractor to be appointed in spring 2025.
“Following the announcement of the contractor, Crawford Art Gallery will be in a position to discuss details including costs,” the gallery said in a statement.
The statement went on to say: “Following years of extensive research, feasibility studies and a business case, Crawford’s advice is that such a time frame is achievable. However as with any project, you can appreciate that delays could potentially arise in unusual or unforeseen circumstances.
As the only National Cultural Institution located entirely outside of Dublin, Crawford Art Gallery is home to over 3,500 works of art.