Over 500,000 people have visited the Science Gallery in its first two years, making it one of the most popular free attractions in the country.
The gallery at Trinity College in Dublin received five times the original projected number of visitors since it opened in February 2008 and has been recognised by a host of awards at both national and international level.
Speaking at the unveiling of the gallery's annual review, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture Mary Hanafin compared it to a permanent young scientist exhibition as it brought “energy and enthusiasm all year round”.
She said there is a “major challenge” in keeping young people in science and that the gallery helps do that by bringing together “creativity, science, innovation and technology”.
"When you combine that you realise this is exactly what is needed for the Ireland of the future.”
The gallery, awarded a special commendation for its innovation at the 2010 European Museum of the Year Awards, was such a success it could now be exported as an “idea”, the Minister added. “This is the type of thing we should be showcasing because this is about the positives, the young people of Ireland and our future,” she said.
Director Michael John Gorman said he hoped the venue could foster a new community of “Leonardos” who could bridge the world of art and science. “Beyond the numbers, Science Gallery is ultimately about the stories of the people who have been inspired and contaminated by their experiences of the gallery.”
He said the success of the space shows the public interest in science as Dublin prepares to be European City of Science in 2012, adding he looks forward to the gallery playing a central role during Dublin’s tenure.
Last year the gallery hosted 214 events including four major exhibitions. The current biorhythm exhibition, exploring the relationship between music and the body, runs until October.
Ahead of an annual review the Minister announced a new grant scheme to help promote Irish arts and culture through the use of technology. The scheme aims to exploit new technology such as apps for iPhones or web based digital projects to help extend the cultural tourism market.
The grant will be financed through the department’s capital funding budget, and people interested can apply from now until September 15th.
