The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA)

Located in Kilmainham, in Dublin, the Irish Museum of Modern Art is a relatively new addition to the city's long list of attractions. It is Ireland's leading modern art institution and boasts an ever-expanding permanent collection of Irish and international modern and contemporary art. Renowned for its dedication to the ever-evolving art world, the museum displays a dynamic programme of exhibitions.

IMMA is located in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, one of the finest 17th century structures in the country. The building was founded in 1684 as a home for retired soldiers and remained as such for nearly 250 years. It was recently restored, through funding by the Irish government, in 1984. In 1991 it re-opened as the Irish Museum of Modern Art. The museum houses a permanent heritage exhibition, which tells the history of this stunning building and its grounds.

Since it's opening, the museum has risen to prominence at the fore of the modern art world. It is a museum that prides itself on collecting to show, rather than just to own - the latter has long been a tradition in many of art's older institutions. In its exhibitions, IMMA has made great efforts to show Irish art in the context of that of the rest of the world. The museum's programme is a mixture of temporary collections and a revolving showcase of its own permanent works. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday and admission is free.