Description
The National Photographic Archive is a striking and modern cultural gem situated in the heart of Dublin's bustling cultural quarter, Temple Bar. Offering a brilliant mix of historical storytelling, engaging visual arts, and family-friendly gallery displays, it ranks among the best things to do with kids in Dublin. The purpose-built venue houses the vast photographic collection of the National Library of Ireland, presenting a unique opportunity for families to transition from studying classic Irish history to exploring eye-catching contemporary exhibitions.
Entry to the gallery spaces and the rotating photographic displays is completely free, making it an excellent, budget-friendly choice for parents looking to entertain children in the city centre. There are no general admission charges or ticket requirements to explore the public galleries. This allows families to wander in and discover historical imagery or enjoy a rainy afternoon out without worrying about any unexpected expenses.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, this interactive archive perfectly balances educational enrichment with a welcoming, accessible environment. It provides a quiet and safe indoor creative hub where children can learn about social history, discover how cameras evolved, and view the world through a completely different lens.
Features
- Free
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
Key Features
- Rotating Historical Galleries: Features a constantly changing line-up of major public exhibitions drawn from over 630,000 historic and contemporary images.
- Free Weekly Guided Tours: Provides expert-led visitor walkthroughs every Friday and Saturday to bring the archived stories to life for all generations.
- Fully Wheelchair Accessible: The award-winning architectural building is thoughtfully designed with lifts and level entryways, ensuring easy navigation for pushchairs.
- Late Night Cultural Openings: Participates in regional initiatives like the monthly evening events, allowing families to explore the arts after hours.
Detailed Highlights
- The Live Aid Exhibition: Running prominently through 2026, this striking showcase features over seventy curated photographs from the Band Aid Trust Archive. Kids love exploring the scale of the iconic concerts, taking a visual journey from behind-the-scenes preparations to the massive transatlantic performances by music legends.
- The Meeting House Square Hub: Located right outside the archive doors, this vibrant public square features a unique, giant retractable canopy system. Children enjoy visiting the regular markets or watching open-air events under the massive umbrellas.
- The Historical Irish Records: The archive displays fascinating snapshots of daily life from across the 19th and 20th centuries. Kids can marvel at how much school classrooms, clothing, and transport have dramatically changed over the generations.
- The 1916 Rebellion Collections: For older children and teenagers, the specialized historical galleries provide a powerful look at real-life photos from the Easter Rising and the War of Independence. It offers an authentic, unmissable supplement to their school history books.
- Interactive Photography Displays: The venue often incorporates small, child-friendly learning elements within its curated spaces. Young visitors can learn how early cameras operated and understand how early pioneers captured old tourist photos and portraits.
Specific Sub-Exhibits and Collections
- The Lawrence Collection: A magnificent historical set of late 19th and early 20th-century topographical views across Ireland.
- The Poole Collection: A vast archive of vintage studio portraits capturing citizens from bygone eras.
- The Band Aid Trust Archive: The newly featured core material tracking the monumental 1985 musical fundraising movement.
- The Keogh Collection: Important historical press photography documenting political events and early state developments.
- The Independent Newspapers Collection: A massive mid-20th-century archive capturing daily sports, news, and social gatherings.
0.04 miles
