National Concert Hall to begin construction on Discover Centre

Dublin's National Concert Hall is undergoing construction to build the new Discover Centre.

The Discover Centre will be a national music campus geared towards families and students of all ages. In conjunction with Project Ireland 2040, the Centre will aim to increase the social wellbeing of Irish residents through increased access and educational programmes.

The 1,400m² Centre will feature universally accessible facilities, workshop and rehearsal rooms, a Gamelan space, and two recital halls.

The NCH’s Earlsfort Terrace campus will be under construction as the Centre is developed. Construction efforts will focus on conserving the existing historic structure while providing modern updates.

The effort was announced today by Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan TD and Minister of State for the Office of Public Works Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran.

“Today marks a key milestone in the evolution for the National Concert Hall and I want to thank the OPW, and the Board and staff of the National Concert Hall for their commitment and passion in getting the project to this stage,” said Minister O’Donovan. “The NCH Discover project will not only restore this unique heritage building which formerly housed the UCD Pathology department, it will put learning and engagement at the core of NCH’s work and provide opportunities, in particular for young people, that will broaden the reach of the Concert Hall to new communities and audiences.”

The NCH was first built in 1865 as Exhibition Palace and later was home to UCD before becoming a premier concert venue in 1981. It houses numerous prestigious musical organizations including National Symphony Orchestra Ireland, National Symphony Chorus Ireland, Cór na nÓg, and Cór Linn.

“This is a defining moment in the history of the National Concert Hall,” said Joe Hamill, chair of the National Concert Hall. “The NCH Discover Centre represents the first step in creating an inclusive, future-focused music campus that will enable more people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in, experience and enjoy the power of live music. It will ensure that the National Concert Hall remains at the cultural heart of Dublin and Ireland for generations to come.”

Construction is predicted to wrap up by early 2027.