Landmark Exhibition about Northern Ireland Launches on Valentine’s Day
The exciting new partnership will see the Little Museum of Dublin host an exhibition of artefacts from the collections of National Museums NI.
An exciting new partnership will see the Little Museum of Dublin host an exhibition of artefacts from the collections of National Museums NI.
Presented with the support of the Department of Foreign Affairs, this remarkable new exhibition will introduce, or re-introduce, Northern Ireland to the people of Dublin.
Featuring 35 artefacts from the collections of National Museums NI, You Say You Love Me But You Don’t Even Know Me will explore different perspectives of ‘Irishness’ without ignoring contested elements of our complex shared history.
These artefacts reveal intriguing moments in Ireland’s social and cultural history, from fashion and folklore to archaeology, art and music.
The objects on display have been carefully chosen by curatorial staff from across National Museums NI’s network, and each piece discloses a compelling story and presents a very personal take on the history of Northern Ireland to a new generation of museum-goers.
You Say You Love Me But You Don’t Even Know Me opens on Valentine’s Day, 14th February 2022 and runs until June 6th. It will be formally launched in the Little Museum of Dublin by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Alison Gilliland, and the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Kate Nicholl.
Speaking in advance of the launch Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Alison Gilliland, said:
"It is a great pleasure to welcome my colleague the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Kate Nicholl to Dublin to open this important exhibition today. You Say You Love But You Don't Even Know Me is a great example of the positive outcomes that come from collaboration and cultural exchange across our shared island.
"Today, on St Valentine's Day, it is in the spirit of friendship and mutual respect that we launch this selection of intriguing artefacts generously on loan from the collections of the National Museums NI. They offer us a unique opportunity to gain a really special insight into the social and political culture of our other half!
"I encourage everyone alike to drop by and discover this exciting new addition to Dublin's cultural landscape."
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Kate Nicholl, said:
“As we reflect on 100 years since partition, I think it has brought a renewed focus to our shared history and opened up conversations around identity and belonging, as people tell their own stories. Our history is complex and no two people’s stories are the same, and that is what makes us so unique.
“This exhibition will give people the opportunity to explore and learn about both our shared and individual identities. Cross border collaboration is vital on this island and You Say You Love Me But You Don’t Even Know Me is a wonderful example of how this can manifest itself in a creative and compelling way. I’d like to congratulate all those involved in curating this very impressive exhibition.”
Kathryn Thomson, Chief Executive of National Museums NI said:
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to bring this exhibition to Dublin through our exciting new partnership with the Little Museum of Dublin.
“On this island we have a shared and complex history which is viewed from many different perspectives and experiences. Northern Ireland can be difficult to know – we hope this exhibition will provide new insights into who we are, as told through the stories of our collections.”
“This is a landmark exhibition,” says Trevor White, director of the Little Museum of Dublin.
“We are delighted to be working with our colleagues at National Museums NI, and excited about showing this collection to visitors from all over the world.”
This cross-border partnership will introduce a new generation to some of the wonders in the myriad collections at National Museums NI. Eclectic and thoughtful, the aim of the exhibition is not to further any political agenda, but to promote a broader understanding of history.
You Say You Love Me But You Don’t Even Know Me is supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund, and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Media and Sport, with the generous assistance of the Esme Mitchell Trust.
The exhibition runs until 6 June 2022. Admission is €10 adult, €8 student/senior and ticket price also includes the full museum visit, including a 29-minute tour of the permanent collection.