International Centre for the Image
Free museum of contemporary photography and image culture in the Dublin Docklands, with exhibitions, an art library and the PhotoIreland Collection.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The International Centre for the Image is a museum for contemporary photography and the visual arts in the Dublin Docklands. It was launched in July 2025 at the Coopers Cross campus in North Wall by PhotoIreland, an arts organisation that has supported photography in Ireland since 2010, with backing from the property investor Kennedy Wilson and the Arts Council of Ireland. The purpose-built, environmentally minded building brings together more than fifteen years of PhotoIreland projects, including its festival, art book fairs and publishing, under one roof.
The centre is arranged around four areas: research in the art library and archive, production in a workshop and artist studios, exhibition, and storage and conservation. Its opening exhibition, Foreword, showed work by seventeen artists working in still and moving images. The centre also looks after the PhotoIreland Collection, which includes thousands of photobooks, magazines, zines and artist publications, and which forms part of the specialist research library.
Visitors can see changing exhibitions in the gallery and browse an art bookshop, and the library is open to anyone, though an appointment is advised for research. The centre aims to gain accreditation through the Heritage Council’s Museum Standards Programme for Ireland.
Highlights
- Museum of contemporary photography in the Dublin Docklands
- Free admission with changing exhibitions
- Specialist art library and the PhotoIreland Collection
- Art bookshop and artist studios under one roof
- Wheelchair accessible, with step-free facilities and a quiet library space
Permanent exhibition
- PhotoIreland Collection and library – A specialist research library of photobooks, magazines, zines and artist publications, including thousands of items from the PhotoIreland Collection.
- Founded
- 2025
- Operated by
- PhotoIreland
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission is free. Guided visits for groups are also free but must be booked in advance.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The centre is a wheelchair accessible venue. Gender-neutral toilets are available, including an accessible toilet with baby changing facilities. There are two seating areas, one in the bookshop and a quiet space in the library. Visitors with particular access needs are asked to get in touch beforehand so that staff can help.
Kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 60 min |
|---|
- Baby changing facilities
Children under 16 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. Baby changing facilities are available in the accessible toilet.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
The Point (Luas) · 4-min walk
Take the Red Line Luas to The Point stop, about a 4-minute walk away. Dublin Bus routes 151, G1, G2 and N4 stop on New Wapping Street, a 5-minute walk away.
By car
Paid on-street parking is available, as well as at the Point Square car park.
The centre is about a 15-minute drive from the city centre. Bike lanes lead to North Wall, and there are many bicycle stands outside.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
- Lockers
The art bookshop is open during opening hours. Backpacks and large items must be left in the lockers or at reception. Drinks are allowed only in the bookshop area, and food is not permitted.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Photography | Cameras may be used in the venue, respecting the privacy of others. |
| Good to know | A visit to the exhibitions takes about an hour on average, but can be anything from 20 minutes to several hours. Guided visits for groups of any size are scheduled inside and outside opening hours and must be booked in advance through the online form or by e-mail. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. |
