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The Model Sligo (Home of the Niland Collection)

4.5
·338 reviews·Sligo, Ireland

A free art gallery in Sligo housing the Niland Collection, featuring Jack B. Yeats, with a cinema and cafe.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
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The Model, Home of the Niland Collection - Image 1

The Model Sligo (Home of the Niland Collection)

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A free art gallery in Sligo housing the Niland Collection, featuring Jack B. Yeats, with a cinema and cafe.

4.5
(338 reviews)

"Brilliant contemporary art gallery in Sligo, that's free to visit."

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TIP

Free Entry! 🎉

Admission is free, making it an accessible cultural experience for everyone.

Chat with Volunteers! 🗣️

Volunteers offer invaluable insights into the art and artists. Don't hesitate to ask questions!

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Niland Collection

The Niland Collection

Discover a significant collection of Irish art, with a strong focus on the works of Jack B. Yeats.

Jack B. Yeats Exhibition

Jack B. Yeats Exhibition

Immerse yourself in the vibrant and expressive world of one of Ireland's most celebrated artists.

Contemporary Art Exhibitions

Contemporary Art Exhibitions

Explore rotating displays of modern and cutting-edge art from local and international artists.

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Free Admission, Priceless Art

Enjoy the Niland Collection and contemporary exhibitions without an entry fee. It's a fantastic way to experience Irish art and culture on a budget. Check their schedule for special events and talks.

Beyond the Galleries

The Model is more than just an art space; it features a cinema showing short films, a cozy cafe with comfortable seating, and a shop. It's a great spot to relax and soak in the local arts scene.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Crowd
Low
When
During special events
Why
Engaging talks and performances
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A big thank you to @atlanticdentalcare for their wonderful support! In appreciation, we’re sharing ‘Portrait of Kitsy Franklin’ by George William Russell from The Model, home of The Niland Collection. George William Russell Æ (1867-1935) Portrait of Kitsy Franklin, undated Oil on canvas, 54.75 x 39.5 cm The Niland Collection. Music By: André 3000 – ‘I swear, I really wanted to make a ‘Rap’ Album...
modelsligo
16 likes • 1.1K views

Free Entry! 🎉

Admission is free, making it an accessible cultural experience for everyone. Reddit

Chat with Volunteers! 🗣️

Volunteers offer invaluable insights into the art and artists. Don't hesitate to ask questions! Reddit

TURN BACK TO THE LIGHT: Women Artists from the Niland Collection. Open daily 10am-1pm and 2pm - 6pm, Mon-Fri. Free admission. An ideal exhibition for groups, including schools. The Model, home of the Niland Collection, is a contemporary arts centre and gallery space in Sligo, Ireland, housing the Niland Collection, an extensive collection of important 20th century art. The collection is named f...
ballinafringefestival
31 likes • 1.2K views
Visiting The Model Gallery home of the Niland Collection, Sligo, Ireland. #JackBYeats #JohnButlerYeats #oilpaintings #irishartists #irishart #charlotte_lavelle_art
charlotte_lavelle_art
15 likes • 206 views

Relax at the Cafe ☕

Enjoy a coffee and comfortable seating in the cafe after exploring the galleries. Reddit

Check the Cinema Schedule 🎬

Discover short films by emerging artists in their dedicated cinema space. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Entry! 🎉

Admission is free, making it an accessible cultural experience for everyone. Reddit

Chat with Volunteers! 🗣️

Volunteers offer invaluable insights into the art and artists. Don't hesitate to ask questions! Reddit

Relax at the Cafe ☕

Enjoy a coffee and comfortable seating in the cafe after exploring the galleries. Reddit

Check the Cinema Schedule 🎬

Discover short films by emerging artists in their dedicated cinema space. Reddit

Walkable from Town 🚶

It's a pleasant walk from Sligo town, though a bit of a hike for some. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(338 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise The Model for its free admission and the quality of its art, particularly the Niland Collection featuring Jack B. Yeats. The building's beauty and the engaging insights provided by volunteers are frequently highlighted as positive aspects, making it a highly recommended cultural stop in Sligo.

"This free art gallery also has a little cinema inside that shows short movies from small artists. It’s a nice place to relax for sure as they have comfortable couches and a café. I had a lovely talk with Tom, a volunteer at the art gallery, who gave me a lot of interesting background information on the paintings and painters. Could listen to him talk for hours!"

Leonie

"Beautiful building, Jack B Yeats exhibition was made so interesting by a Volunteer who gave us so much background information (sorry I didn't get your name, man in blue jumper, Thanks so much). Other exhibitions also excellent. It's free"

Joan Bell

"Brilliant contemporary art gallery in Sligo, that's free to visit. It houses the Niland collection, which focuses on the artist Jack B Yeats. The gallery has art exhibitions, performing art events and talks throughout the year. There's cafe, cinema and a shop in the building."

John Bashford

What People Like

Free admission
Niland Collection
Engaging volunteers

What People Dislike

Slightly out of town

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Model is located just outside the main Sligo town center. It's a walkable distance, though some describe it as a 'bit of a walk and small hike'. You can also consider local taxis or buses if you prefer not to walk. Reddit

Information on specific parking availability can be found on The Model's official website or by contacting them directly. It's advisable to check in advance if you are driving. TikTok

The Model is generally accessible, but it's always best to check their official website or contact them for the most up-to-date information on accessibility features for visitors with specific needs. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, admission to The Model, home of the Niland Collection, is completely free! This makes it a wonderful and accessible cultural experience for everyone. Reddit+1

The Model is typically open daily from 10 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 6 pm, Monday to Friday. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most current hours, especially around holidays. Instagram

While general admission is free, some special events, performances, or film screenings might require booking or have a separate admission fee. Check The Model's website for event-specific details and booking information. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Niland Collection is a significant art collection housed at The Model, featuring works by prominent Irish artists, with a notable emphasis on the paintings of Jack B. Yeats. InstagramReddit

The Model also features a cinema showing short films, a comfortable cafe and lounge area for relaxing, and a shop. They also host performing arts events and talks. Reddit+1

Yes, The Model is an ideal exhibition space for groups, including schools and families. The variety of art and the cinema can be engaging for younger visitors. Instagram

Photography policies can vary depending on the exhibition. It's best to look for signage within the gallery or ask a staff member if photography is permitted. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, The Model has a nice cafe and lounge area where you can rest and enjoy refreshments after exploring the galleries. Reddit+1

The cafe typically offers light refreshments, coffee, and snacks. It's a good spot for a quick break during your visit. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography rules can differ for each exhibition. Always check for signs or ask gallery staff before taking pictures to ensure you comply with any restrictions. Instagram

The building itself is architecturally interesting, and the art pieces offer unique photographic opportunities. The cafe area can also be quite photogenic. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Model is a great option for families looking for a cultural outing. Admission is free, which is always a plus with children! The Niland Collection, particularly the works of Jack B. Yeats, can spark imagination with their vibrant colors and lively scenes. InstagramReddit

Beyond the main galleries, the cinema showing short films can be a captivating experience for younger visitors. The cafe also provides a relaxed space for families to take a break. Encourage kids to look for specific colors or characters in the paintings to make the visit interactive. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

As a free-admission art gallery, The Model is a dream for budget-conscious travelers. You can immerse yourself in significant Irish art without spending a penny. Reddit+1

Combine your visit with a walk from Sligo town to save on transport costs. Afterward, enjoy a coffee at the cafe or simply relax in the lounge area, making it a full cultural experience that costs nothing for entry. Reddit

🎨 Art Enthusiasts

For art lovers, The Model is a must-visit. The Niland Collection, with its strong focus on Jack B. Yeats, offers a deep dive into a pivotal figure of Irish art. InstagramReddit

Don't miss the contemporary exhibitions, which showcase cutting-edge work. Engaging with the knowledgeable volunteers can significantly enhance your appreciation of the art. Reddit The cinema also offers a curated selection of short films for a broader artistic experience.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Niland Collection: A Sligo Treasure

The Model is renowned for housing The Niland Collection, a significant public art collection in Ireland. This collection boasts a substantial number of works by Jack B. Yeats, one of Ireland's most important modern artists. Visitors can expect to see a diverse range of his paintings, sketches, and other works, offering a deep dive into his artistic journey and the social history he depicted. Beyond Yeats, the collection also features works by other notable Irish artists, providing a rich tapestry of national art. InstagramReddit

This collection is not static; The Model often curates exhibitions that highlight specific aspects of the Niland Collection or place it in dialogue with contemporary art. The volunteers at The Model are often a fantastic resource, eager to share their knowledge and provide context for the pieces, making the viewing experience much more engaging. Reddit

Exploring the Niland Collection is a highlight for many visitors, offering a chance to connect with Irish artistic heritage in a beautiful and accessible setting. The free admission makes it a must-visit for art lovers and casual visitors alike.

Experiencing Contemporary Art at The Model

Beyond its permanent collection, The Model is a vibrant hub for contemporary art. The gallery regularly hosts rotating exhibitions featuring both established and emerging artists from Ireland and around the globe. These exhibitions cover a wide spectrum of media and themes, ensuring there's always something new and thought-provoking to discover. Instagram

Visitors often praise the quality and diversity of the temporary exhibitions. The space itself, a beautifully repurposed building, provides an excellent backdrop for modern art. The gallery's commitment to showcasing current artistic practices makes it a dynamic cultural destination. Instagram

Attending an opening reception or a curator's talk can offer even deeper insights into the contemporary art scene. The Model actively engages with the art community, making it a place where you can experience the pulse of modern artistic expression. Reddit

More Than Just Art: The Model's Amenities

The Model offers a well-rounded visitor experience that extends beyond its gallery walls. It features a cinema that screens a selection of short films, often showcasing independent and emerging filmmakers. This provides a unique opportunity to engage with visual storytelling in a different format. Reddit

For those looking to relax and recharge, The Model boasts a comfortable cafe and lounge area. It's a popular spot for visitors to enjoy a coffee, a light snack, or simply sit and absorb the atmosphere. The welcoming ambiance makes it a perfect place to take a break during your exploration of Sligo. Reddit

Additionally, there's a shop where visitors can find unique souvenirs, art books, and local crafts, allowing you to take a piece of Sligo's creative spirit home with you. The combination of art, film, and a pleasant cafe makes The Model a comprehensive cultural destination. Reddit