The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) was established by the Government of Ireland in 1990 as Ireland’s first national institution for the presentation and collection of modern and contemporary art. The museum was officially opened on 25 May 1991 by the, then Taoiseach Charles J Haughey. Since its opening the museum has rapidly established itself as a significant and dynamic presence in the Irish and international arts arena. It is widely admired by its peers throughout the world for the range and relevance of its exhibitions, for its innovative use of its growing Collection, for its award-winning education and community program and for its visitor-centered ethos and facilities. The IMMA is Ireland’s leading national institution for the collection and presentation of modern and contemporary art. The museum presents a wide variety of art in a dynamic program of exhibitions, which regularly includes bodies of work from its own Collection and its award-winning education and community department. It also creates more widespread access to art and artists through its Studio and National programs. The museum is housed in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, the finest 17th-century building in Ireland. The Royal Hospital was founded in 1684 by James Butler, Duke of Ormonde and Viceroy to Charles II, as a home for retired soldiers and continued in that use for almost 250 years. The style is based on Les Invalides in Paris with a formal facade and a large elegant courtyard. The Royal Hospital in Chelsea was completed two years later and also contains many similarities in style. The Royal Hospital Kilmainham was restored by the Government in 1984 and opened as the Irish Museum of Modern Art in May 1991. The museum’s mission is to foster within society an awareness, understanding and involvement in the visual arts through policies and programs which are excellent, innovative and inclusive. IMMA has proved to be a valuable and popular addition to the country’s cultural infrastructure, attracting more than 400,000 Irish and overseas visitors each year, both to the Museum itself and to events organized throughout Ireland by its National program. It is hoped that in the future the Museum will be provided with more space, allowing its current activity to be complimented by an encyclopedic permanent display of contemporary art, something Ireland lacks. The IMMA has an excellent museum shop, with a strong emphasis on publications relating to modern Irish artists and a highly regarded café. Entry to the museum is free, and the museum’s Mediator Team (gallery staff) provide free guided tours every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 2:30pm. Visit the museum’s website at … http://www.imma.ie