Science Gallery

The Science Gallery in Dublin is an innovative center for science and art located in the heart of the Trinity College campus. Opened in 2008, this gallery was born from the initiative of Professor Mike Coey, along with his colleagues from the Centre for Research on Adaptive Nanostructures and Nanodevices (CRANN) at Trinity College. The Science Gallery quickly became one of Dublin’s most popular attractions, drawing over 120,000 visitors in its first year, far exceeding the initial expectations of 50,000 visitors. The Science Gallery is not a traditional museum; its main purpose is to serve as a bridge between science and the public, encouraging dialogue and active participation. Each exhibit is designed to be interactive, allowing visitors to directly experience scientific phenomena and contribute to ongoing research data collection. A significant example is the “Home/Sick” exhibition, which collected data on visitors’ water consumption and shower habits. The gallery stands out for its ability to blend art and science in a way that makes science accessible and engaging. The exhibits range from topics like advanced technology and robotics to social and health issues, offering a wide variety of educational and stimulating experiences. Exhibitions such as “HUMAN+: The Future of Our Species” have explored the future of human evolution and survival strategies, including installations and workshops that challenge visitors to consider future scenarios. One of the most appreciated features of the Science Gallery is its dynamic program of events, which includes lectures, debates, workshops, and film screenings. These events are often free or low-cost, making science and art accessible to a broad and diverse audience. The gallery has hosted lectures on current scientific topics, science film nights, and hands-on workshops for all ages. The Science Gallery has received international recognition and has inspired the creation of other Science Galleries around the world, including in London, Melbourne, and Bangalore. This global network of science galleries shares resources and knowledge, promoting a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to science communication. In 2021, the Science Gallery faced a financial crisis that led to its temporary closure. Despite the economic difficulties, partly caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a strong public reaction against the closure. The debate involved academics, students, and the general public, leading the Irish government to intervene with bridge funding to explore a new sustainable operational model. In 2022, Trinity College announced plans to relaunch the gallery with a new vision and an exhibition plan through 2028. The Science Gallery is located in the Naughton Institute building, easily accessible from Pearse Street and the Trinity College campus. Its central location makes it easily reachable by public transport, including the DART and various bus lines, as well as on foot from major points of interest in Dublin’s city center.