Our Great National Temple of Art and Industry

2023 will mark the 170th anniversary of the Great Industrial Exhibition held in Dublin on the grounds of Leinster House, then the headquarters of the Royal Dublin Society (RDS). Modelled on London's Great Exhibition of 1851, it featured a huge iron and glass pavilion fronting onto Merrion Square measuring 300 feet long. It was the largest event of its kind ever held in Ireland, showcasing Irish art, manufacture and industry to the world, attracting over 1 million visitors. There were over 1,800 exhibitors from Britain, Ireland and worldwide.

This is a joint initiative of the Royal Irish Academy, Royal Dublin Society and National Gallery of Ireland.

Schedule

08:30 Registration

09:00 – 09:30 Formal opening

09:30 – 11:00 Session 1: Exhibition Organisation

11:00 – 11:15 Tea and coffee break

11:15 – 13:00 Session 2: Industry

13:00 – 14:00 Lunch

14:00 – 15:45 Session 3: Empire, Art and Legacy I

15:40 – 16:05 Tea and coffee break

16:05 – 18:00 Session 4: Empire, Art and Legacy II

17:40 – 18:00 Closing remarks

18:00 – 19:30 Reception