Capital Development Project
![An room of empty book stack brackets](/sites/default/files/styles/image_with_caption_small/public/2022-10/reimagining-the-national-library_building-program-02_1340.jpg?h=c6cb2754&itok=GesU-0NH)
We are writing a new chapter in the history of the National Library of Ireland
The Capital Development Project is the most significant investment in the physical infrastructure of our building since its opening in 1890. This project will modernise our facilities to the highest standards while preserving the heritage and beauty of our Victorian-era design.
Our project entitled ‘Reimagining the National Library’ commenced in 2017. Significant building works have been completed across our Kildare Street campus. This includes the relocation of our prints, drawings and ephemera collections, as well as our published collections, which comprise over 350,000 items. These collections have been moved from six storeys of Victorian book stacks to a new, state-of-the-art onsite book repository.
This next phase will result in the complete renovation of our former book store into an exciting cultural experience – creating a major new public space for a new generation of visitors.
Project Goals and Benefits
This ambitious project is crucial for the future of the National Library. It aims to:
- Provide safe storage for the national collections.
- Create new spaces for hosting NLI exhibitions.
- Offer learning and event spaces.
- Establish a shop and café to enhance the visitor experience.
- Ensure universal accessibility for all visitors.
Partnership and Commitment
This project is a collaborative effort involving the Office of Public Works and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
Future Updates
We are pleased to announce that planning permission for this significant development has been granted. Catherine Martin, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, has approved the Preliminary Business Case under the Public Spending Code and Infrastructure Guidelines for the redevelopment of the NLI We look forward to sharing further updates as the project progresses and as we continue to write this exciting new chapter for the NLI.
Read more about the planning below:
- Press release (27.09.2023): Planning Application Lodged
- Press release (09.05.2024): Joly Lecture Theatre launched
![NLI New Circulation Core - concept © OPW](/sites/default/files/styles/image_with_caption_small/public/2023-09/nli-new-circulation-core-concept-c-fkp-architects.jpg?h=d1cb525d&itok=Qo0xsrRE)
NLI New Circulation Core - concept © OPW
![NLI Longitudinal Section through West Wing](/sites/default/files/styles/image_with_caption_small/public/2023-09/nli-longitudinal-section-through-west-wing-c-fkp-architects.png?h=8f74817f&itok=ORrU-yph)
NLI Longitudinal Section through West Wing © FKP Architects
![NLI Education Room - concept © Digital Dimension](/sites/default/files/styles/image_with_caption_small/public/2023-09/nli-education-room-concept-c-digital-dimension.jpg?h=c6980913&itok=1_glC0Ad)
NLI Education Room - concept © Digital Dimension
![NLI Exhibition Space © Digital Dimension](/sites/default/files/styles/image_with_caption_small/public/2023-09/nli-exhibition-space-c-digital-dimension.jpg?h=c6980913&itok=13vf166b)
NLI Exhibition Space © Digital Dimension
![NLI proposed retail space](/sites/default/files/styles/image_with_caption_small/public/2023-09/nli-retail-space-concept-c-digital-dimension.jpg?h=c6980913&itok=2gXDUN_X)
NLI Retail Space - concept © Digital Dimension
![Concept proposal for the new Cafe space in the National Library](/sites/default/files/styles/image_with_caption_small/public/2023-09/nli-concept-proposal-for-cafe-c-opw.jpg?h=d1cb525d&itok=qHR19E0W)
Concept proposal for the new Cafe space in the National Library