A talk on the history of Dublin's Gate Theatre and its celebrated relationship with the works of Oscar Wilde is among the highlights of the capital's culture night, it was announced today.
Actor Alan Stanford will unveil the artistic and architectural past of the landmark building in the heart of the city, which is more than 200 years old.
The theatre will be one of 82 arts venues across the capital open until 10pm on Friday September 14, hosting more than 100 free events, tours and exhibitions.
Organisers hope up to 80,000 Dubliners and visitors will be attracted in to the capital to experience its second Culture Night.
"Culture Night aims to open the city and its huge cultural offering up to everyone," said Grainne Millar, of Temple Bar Cultural Trust (TBCT).
"With time pressures and financial constraints many people are unable to explore Dublin's diverse cultural offering, but Culture Night allows everyone to discover or reacquaint themselves with the city's fantastically broad mix of events to enjoy."
TBCT has been working with the city's cultural venues since last October to provide the public with the evening of eclectic, interactive and entertaining cultural activities.
Museums, galleries, theatres, cathedrals, art studios, Chester Beatty Library, National Concert Hall, Croke Park Stadium, Trinity College Library, and the Gaiety School of Acting, will be among the venues opening their doors on the night.
Artists, jewellery makers, and film makers will also have their work on show.
TBCT has divided the participating organisations into six cultural clusters, grouping the venues together, to make planning the evening's entertainment easier, while Dublin Bus will provide free inter-venue transport linking the various venues.
Music fans can hear the choir rehearse in St Patrick's Cathedral, while those who reminisce about their childhood can visit the exhibition Once Upon a Time, a collection of two centuries of children's book illustrations, at Dublin City Library.
GAA supporters will have a unique opportunity to discover the magic of Croke Park by night with a special floodlight tour of the hallowed grounds, while taster classes in ballet, bellydance, contemporary, flamenco, jazz and salsa, will be offered at DanceHouse.
Meanwhile, historians can get face to face with the past in the National Museum of Ireland where they can view the Ardagh Chalice, Tara Brooch and the much talked about the Kingship and Sacrificeexhibition, which centres on a number of recently found bog bodies of Iron Age date.
The full programme of events for Culture Night 2007 is available on www.culturenight.ie
PA