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Ireland’s Historic Science Centre, Birr Castle Demesne Co Offaly

Gulbenkian Foundation Best Smaller Museum 2000
Institute of Designers of Ireland Awards Short list 1999

Ireland’s contribution to the world of science is celebrated in nine galleries located in the restored coach house of Birr Castle Demesne.

The winning museum was described simply as stunning by the Gulbenkian Judges who confessed to being normally bored by its subject matter, but to now being a convert. The excellent displays were fitted out at a relatively modest cost but exhibiting great intelligence, humour and resourcefulness. The difficult scientific topic was treated with humour and the text was rendered accessible by excellent scripting. The combination of intelligent writing, creative display and inspired presentation is best illustrated in an atmospheric display about astronomy which takes as it unifying theme the wonderful Yates poem "He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven". At the end of our visits the Judges felt that they were really drawn in by this exhibition and wanted to return to it as soon as possible. Aidan Walsh, Chairman of the Northern Ireland Museum’s Council.

Salutation and loud huzzahs for your great creativity in designing the new exhibition - it should be a “must” on the curriculum of every science student in Ireland, it will have vast practical effect both on their knowledge of science and, importantly, on their knowledge of an unsuspected history which we enjoyed. You are to be congratulated for making a concept into a reality.
Sir Anthony O’Reilly