Cork Opera House exhibition of memorabilia opens at Cork City Library

Marking its 170th anniversary this year, Cork Opera House has launched a new exhibition of memorabilia, Send It Home, which is now open at Cork City Library for November.

Earlier this year, Cork Opera House launched a campaign inviting members of the public to share their artefacts, personal stories, and treasured memories of the theatre.

In response, more than 1,300 individual pieces were contributed and form the foundation of the new Cork Opera House archive.

Among the many items featured are programmes dating as far back as 1909, a plaque pulled from the rubble after the Cork Opera House fire of 1955, and pantomime scripts and photos from various eras of the theatre’s dynamic history.

The Lord Mayor of Cork Fergal Dennehy said it was an honour for the Cork City Council library service to host Cork Opera House’s Send It Home exhibition.

“The entire Send It Home campaign and the exhibition it has created is a testament to the power of storytelling and community,” said Mr Dennehy.

“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.”

Cork City Librarian David O’Brien added: “It is exciting and gratifying to be involved in this project with Cork Opera House.”