New €36m arts centre to open next month

Plans for Dublin City University's new arts centre were unveiled at the Glasnevin college yesterday, writes Alison Healy.

Plans for Dublin City University's new arts centre were unveiled at the Glasnevin college yesterday, writes Alison Healy.

The €36.5 million Helix, which will open on October 16th, consists of three auditoria and a visual arts gallery. It will stage opera, orchestral music, drama, comedy, rock gigs and even an ice-show. Artists already booked to perform include Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Lesley Garrett, Juliet Turner, the Reduced Shakespeare Company and Charlie Landsborough.

Helix director Mr Nick Reed said the centre was an impressive cultural development for the capital city and beyond, but it would also have a special resonance for the people of north Dublin.

The centre was designed by Polish-born Mr Andrzei Wejchert and has elevations of contrasting glass and granite. It takes its name from the sweeping stairways which twist like a helix structure.

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The project was funded by a number of sources, including the Government and Toyota Ireland. The main auditorium can seat 1,260 people while the theatre has one of the largest stages in the State.

The studio theatre, which seats 150 people, is suitable for experimental theatre and contemporary music. The seating lay-outs in each venue can be changed for alternative uses and the ratio of audience to performers can be reduced or increased where necessary.

The President, Mrs McAleese, will attend the inaugural gala concert on October 16th. An open day will be held for the public on Saturday, October 19th.

For more information visit the website at www.thehelix.ie