Goethe-Institut Irland
@ Open House Dublin 2019

Open House Dublin (OHD) is Ireland’s largest architecture festival, inviting all citizens to explore their city. It works through a simple but powerful idea: showcasing outstanding architecture for everyone to experience. Buildings that aren’t usually accessible to the public and buildings of architectural merit open their doors for one weekend, with architectural tours provided by expert guides.

37 Merrion Square was built in 1787. It is supposed that the architect was Samuel Sproule and that the internal stucco work was done by Robert West. Since 1961, 37 Merrion Square has been home to the Goethe-Institut. 2018 saw the refurbishment of the original Georgian building, the addition of a large extension to the rear, to house the language department, and the installation of a new garden. The new-build consists of a subterranean level over most of the site, a split-level three-storey mews above this. The original house has been re-instated in line with the original Georgian era details. Significant craftsmanship was required to repair the stuccowork and the first floor ceilings were completed in the original colouring with gold leaf detailing. The colour scheme elsewhere was based on analysis of paint fragments found on the site. Floorboards were recovered and re-used where feasible.

Martin Henchion, architect of the restauration and extension project, will give tours through the Goethe-Institut.