Description
Are you trying to find an inspiring, creative hub to explore with your children over the weekend? Located in the heart of Sligo town centre, this spectacular venue offers some of the best things to do with kids in Sligo. Operating as a vibrant multi-disciplinary contemporary arts centre, it introduces children to innovative painting, historical regional collections, experimental music, and moving cinema.
Planning your family outing is exceptionally straightforward and gentle on the wallet. Admission to the core gallery spaces and exhibitions is completely free for all families and individuals. This allows you to wander through world-class visual displays without worrying about mounting entry costs adding to your weekend budget.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that fuels imagination, this gallery is a brilliant choice. It changes a rainy afternoon into an engaging, educational experience by placing your family face-to-face with legendary Irish masterpieces and modern installations. The historic, beautifully restored building is the perfect setting to introduce older children and teenagers to the exciting world of professional fine arts.
Features
- Free
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
What makes The Model unique?
- Home of The Niland Collection: Families can experience one of Ireland’s most significant collections of 20th-century Irish art.
- Jack B. Yeats Heritage: The space showcases legendary paintings that directly record historic memories of the local landscape and culture.
- Educational Day Out: The rotating schedule of professional fine arts links directly to school graphics, history modules, and creative portfolios.
- Dynamic Creative Hub: The centre features live performance spaces, a cinema, and active artist studios alongside the public galleries.
Deep-Dive Highlights
- The Niland Collection Galleries: Bright, open showrooms displaying timeless 20th-century Irish masterpieces. Older children will enjoy spotting local landmarks immortalised in vibrant brushstrokes.
- The Model Theatre & Cinema: A purpose-built performance space hosting independent films and classical musical gatherings. It provides an intimate environment where teenagers can enjoy cultural screenings.
- The Subsidised Artist Studios: Upper-level creative workrooms where ten professional artists develop their craft. Kids will love knowing that real-world art is being painted right above their heads.
- The Bright Atrium Space: A sweeping room featuring original stone walls, high ceilings, and beautiful overhead skylights. It is an excellent spot for kids to sit, sketch, and relax between exhibitions.
- The Model Bookshop: A dedicated ground-floor store packed with local creative publications, custom art cards, and design materials. Children can pick up unique sketching tools or books to inspire their own home projects.
Detailed Collections & Sub-Exhibits
- 'Communicating with Prisoners': A powerful, dramatic oil canvas painted by Jack B. Yeats that captivates older kids with its intense storytelling.
- 'The Funeral of Harry Boland': A historic, atmospheric piece by Jack B. Yeats capturing a deeply significant moment in Irish heritage.
- 'An Island Funeral': A sweeping, profound masterwork by Jack B. Yeats depicting traditional coastal life in the west of Ireland.
- 'The Star Gazer': A brilliant, whimsical early watercolour by Jack B. Yeats that easily sparks young imaginations.
- 'Market Day': An intricate watercolour sketching out the lively, historic hustle of traditional trading squares.
- 'Leaving the Far Point': A deeply personal oil painting representing fond family memories on a Sligo beach.
- 'Bog Sun' by Patrick Scott: A minimalist, geometric piece showing children how simple shapes and gold tones create beautiful patterns.
- 'A View of Sligo Quay' by Percy French: A delicate historical watercolour tracking the changing face of the local maritime riverside.
0.38 miles
