Heritage Hot Spots

Science Gallery

What is it?

The Science Gallery, in the Naughton Institute on Pearse Street in Dublin 2, is an innovative exhibition space that explores the interface between art, science, technology, design and engineering through thematic shows held throughout the year.

Why visit?

It will open your mind to new ideas, concepts, products, theories and hypotheses. Established by Trinity College Dublin in 2008 to encourage interaction between researchers and the wider community, it has fast become one of the 10 top free visitor attractions in Ireland, clocking up its millionth visitor earlier this year. The gallery is developing similar spaces in eight centres around the world, including London, New York, Moscow, Singapore and Bangalore by 2020.

Why now?

Science Week begins tomorrow, so there’s no better place to sample the mood. The exhibition Game: The Future of Play, which explores the world of gaming and animation, opens on Friday; you can play games, listen to experts and join game- design workshops. You can learn about their technology, design and production as well as the psychology, competition and social opportunity of gaming. The show continues until January 20th, 2013.

Science Gallery events include the weekly Coder Dojo Dublin free coding club, which meets on Saturdays from 1pm to 4pm ( coderdojo.com). Next Saturday at 2pm, to mark TedxYouth Day, an impressive group of young people will talk about overcoming obstacles to make a positive impact (contact@tedxyouthwestlandrow.com). Admission is €5.

How do I get there?

It’s a five minute walk from the front entrance of Trinity College Dublin on College Green. You can get there by crossing the campus on foot or by using the main entrance on Pearse Street; the Science Gallery occupies much of the ground floor of the Naughton Institute. Tuesday to Friday noon-8pm; Saturday and Sunday noon-6pm. Admission free; donations welcome.

Contacts

01-8964091, sciencegallery.com.