A Century adn a Half of Memories

Cork Opera House is⁤ marking its 170th anniversary in 2023 with a new exhibition, “Send It Home,” currently on display at Cork City Library throughout November. The exhibition showcases a collection‍ of memorabilia gathered from the public, celebrating⁤ the theater’s rich history and its place ⁤in⁤ the community.

Earlier this year, Cork Opera House launched a public campaign inviting individuals to contribute artifacts,⁢ personal stories, and treasured memories‍ related to the theatre. The response was overwhelming, with over 1,300 items ⁢submitted, forming the foundation of a ‍new ‍cork Opera House archive.

Treasures from the Past

The “Send It Home”⁢ exhibition⁣ features a diverse range of items spanning the ‍Opera House’s history. These include programmes dating back to 1909, a plaque salvaged⁤ from the rubble following the 1955 Cork Opera House fire, and scripts and photographs from various pantomime ⁢productions.

Community and Artistic Soul

Lord Mayor of ⁤Cork, Fergal Dennehy, expressed his honor at Cork City Council Library Service hosting the exhibition. He stated,⁢ 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.

Dennehy encouraged the public to visit⁣ the exhibition to reflect on and‍ celebrate the opera House’s legacy. He added, “We have ‍had a fantastic 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 also highlighted the excitement and gratification ‍of collaborating ⁢with Cork Opera House on this project.