A new exhibition of memorabilia, titled ‘Send It Home’, is now open at the Library on Grand Parade for the month of November, having been launched on Friday, October 31st by Cork Opera House and Cork City Library
The announcement was made at a special commemorative event celebrating 60 years since Cork Opera House’s reopening after the devastating fire of 1955. It marked yet another significant milestone in its 170th anniversary year.
Earlier this year, Cork Opera House launched a campaign inviting the public to share their artefacts, personal stories and treasured memories of the theatre. The response was overwhelming, with more than 1,300 individual pieces contributed, forming the foundation of the new Cork Opera House archive.
A curated selection of these remarkable items offers a rare glimpse into 170 years of cultural history, illuminating the Opera House’s pivotal role in shaping Cork’s artistic landscape. Among the many items featured are programmes dating as far back as 1909, a plaque pulled from the rubble after the fire, pantomime scripts and photos from various eras of the theatre‘s dynamic history.
‘CORK’S ARTISTIC SOUL’
The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Fergal Dennehy, described it as a great honour for Cork City Council’s library service to host the exhibition.
“The entire Send It Home campaign, and the exhibition it has created, is a testament to the power of storytelling and community. It beautifully captures this spirit, reminding us that the Opera House is not just a building – it is a shared experience, a cherished tradition, and a symbol of Cork’s artistic soul. I would encourage everyone to visit, reflect, and celebrate the remarkable journey of one of Cork’s most iconic institutions.”
“We have had a wonderful year hearing stories and gathering memorabilia and being in a position to display the memorabilia to the public at Cork City Library is a huge privilege. We hope everyone will come and experience it.”
The launch included speakers, CEO and Artistic Director, Eibhlín Gleeson, board chair Tim Healy and City Librarian, David O’Brien, who spoke proudly of this collaboration.
Send It Home runs until the end of November at Cork City Library, Grand Parade.
