Explore The City as a Stage at this year’s Open House Dublin! We have tours of Abbey Theatre, Stella Theatre, Gate Theatre, Smock Alley Theatre, and even the Fumbally Exchange turns into a stage for a day.
ABBEY THEATRE
The Abbey Theatre is Ireland’s national theatre. Its current building was designed by Michael Scott and Ronald Tallon to replace the Abbey’s original home. A portico by McCullough Mulvin Architects was added in 1990 and the main auditorium was re-configured in 2007 by John Keogan Architects with designer Jean Guy Lecat. Open on Saturday 14th October from 11.00am – 12.30pm.
THE STELLA THEATRE
Get set for a truly unique experience in the beautiful and meticulously restored Stella Theatre. This fine Dublin cinematic landmark originally opened in 1923 and was designed by Dublin architectural firm Higginbotham & Stafford. It has since been sympathetically restored to reflect the glamour of the 1920’s. Discover some original Stella features such as the beautiful art deco handrail which leads you up to the first-floor balcony, mosaic tiling of the original Stella logo and original ceiling mouldings dotted throughout the building. Visit on Saturday 14th October from 11.00am – 5.00pm
GATE THEATRE
In 1786, a new two-storey assembly building, now the Gate Theatre, was built to the north of the Rotunda Hospital. The New Assembly Rooms, were designed by Richard Johnston, elder brother of Francis, which comprised of a Tea Room and Ballroom at ground floor level, and a Supper Room on the first floor. The first floor Supper Room was remodelled as the Gate Theatre by Michael Scott in 1930. The 2008 extension to the theatre by Scott Tallon Walker is sympathetic with the Georgian character of the building and attempts to link harmoniously with the use of smooth granite cladding and classical features to Cavendish Row. The whole building is unified with a neo-classical style, characteristic of public architecture of this date. The Gate Theatre contributes significantly to the eighteenth-century character of Parnell Square, Cavendish Row and the Rotunda complex. Open on Sunday 15th October from 12.00pm – 5.00pm with tours on the hour.
SMOCK ALLEY THEATRE 1662
Smock Alley Theatre lies in an unassuming part of Dublin city. Nestled on the banks of the River Liffey in a quiet part of Temple Bar you would be forgiven for thinking it a quiet little building. But its foundations lie in the oldest part of our city. We stand next to the founding site of Dublin, where battles raged amongst Celtic settlers and marauding Vikings. And, in turn, settled Vikings tried in vain to defend attacks from invading Normans. By the time our theatre was built we were part of the Kingdom of England and were under the rule of King Charles II. The city was one of the most important in the Kingdom, so much so, that it was given its own Theatre Royal. Indeed, we were the first and only Theatre Royal ever to be built outside the great walls of London. Make sure to stop by on Saturday 14th October from 11.00am – 5.00pm and Sunday 15th October from 12.00pm – 5.00pm.
FEX ON STAGE
For one day only, the shop window of Fumbally Exchange, 5 Dame Lane will be transformed into a stage set. This will bring the diverse and eclectic activities of our Fumballiers into the public view in a series of 15 minute vignettes to inform, educate and entertain passers-by. You will see the Fumbally Fooles fantastic feats of juggling, live action acting auditions, fabulous floral creations and much, much more. Definitely a not miss, catch the show on Saturday 14th October from 11.30am – 4.00pm.
Open House Dublin (OHD) invites Dublin’s citizens to explore their city as when buildings not usually accessible to the public and buildings of architectural merit open their doors over the weekend of October 13th – 15th
All architectural tours are provided by expert guides, with free admission. For full details check out openhousedublin.com The weekend is organised by Irish Architecture Foundation.
