Brú na Boinne Visitor Centre recognised for architectural excellence in ‘Deep Surfaces’ Exhibition in Venice, Italy

The Office of Public Works is delighted to announce that Brú na Boinne Visitor Centre, Co. Meath has been selected as part of the ‘Deep Surfaces’ exhibition in Venice, Italy. The exhibition showcases the experiences and good practices of selected visitor centres from UNESCO inscribed World Heritage sites around the world.

The exhibition invites viewers to discover how visitor centres and similar site-specific architectural interventions can harness the natural, cultural and collective intelligence of these sites. Through innovative design and sustainable values, these visitor centres play a vital role in fostering heritage stewardship, improving accessibility, supporting local economies, and promoting social inclusion. The ‘Deep Surfaces’ exhibition seeks to enhance UNESCO sites as learning environments for sustainable development and global citizenship, addressing today’s global challenges.

Rosemary Collier, OPW Head of Heritage Services and Capital Works Delivery, stated: “This is a great achievement for OPW and the team in Brú na Boinne. Brú na Boinne Visitor Centre was one of 54 exhibitors selected from the list of world wide applications to participate in this exhibition. The Visitor Centre showcases the architectural concept and how it works in tandem with the UNESCO World Heritage Site itself. It is a huge honour for Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre to be included in this world renowned exhibition."

The exhibition features information panels presenting the participating visitor centres alongside the Cloud installation, a dynamic and immersive structure that showcases data and highlights the thematic areas of interpreting heritage, supporting site management, promoting access, inclusion, and sustainability, as well as working with and for communities. The design of the exhibition emphasizes sustainable practices and responsible design, aligning with the overall vision of the showcase.

Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to explore audiovisual content and a Material Library displaying samples of construction materials used in the interior and exterior of the participating visitor centres. This immersive experience aims to give viewers a deeper understanding of the innovative and eco-friendly practices implemented in these architectural interventions.

Brú na Boinne Visitor Centre’s participation in the ‘Deep Surfaces’ exhibition is a testament to its commitment to excellence and sustainable design. This opportunity will undoubtedly showcase the unique attributes and contributions of this remarkable visitor centre on a global stage. For more information please visit Collateral Events of the Biennale Architettura 2025.

ENDS

OPW spokespersons are available for interview upon request. Please contact pressoffice@opw.ie for more information and to arrange an interview.

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Listing information

Exhibition title: Deep Surfaces - Architecture to enhance the visitor experience of UNESCO sites

Location: Venice, Italy

Dates: 10 May – 23 November 2025

Opening times: Closed on Mondays (except for 12 May, 2 June, 21 July, 1 September, 20 October, 17 November). 11 am - 7 pm from 10 May to 28 September; 10 am - 6 pm from 29 September to 23 November

Admission: Free

Additional information

Collateral events

The exhibition is part of the official Venice Biennale 2025 Collateral Event of which there are only 11 in total and is being showcased at Palazzo Zorzi, the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe in Venice. Collateral Events are admitted to the Biennale by the Curator Carlo Ratti and promoted by non-profit national and international bodies and institutions, offering a wide range of perspectives and enriching diversity representative of the spirit of the Biennale.

The Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre was submitted for consideration by an OPW and DHLGH collaborative team as follows: Joanne Clarke, Terri Sweeney Meade, Mary Heffernan and Claire Breen. It was subsequently selected for inclusion in the Exhibition by UNESCO’s curatorial team under the direction of Matteo Rosati, Programme Specialist for Culture and Intersectoral Activities UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe Venice (Italy).

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

There are currently 1223 World Heritage Site inscribed in the UNESCO List. The Republic of Ireland has Brú na Bóinne and Sceilg Mhichíl inscribed. There are two World Heritage Sites in Northern Ireland: the Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast and the Moravian Church Settlements. Four more sites are currently on the Tentative List for nomination. These comprise of: The Royal Sites of Ireland, The Passage Tomb Landscape of County Sligo, The Transatlantic Cable Ensemble and the Astronomical Observatories of Ireland.

Email address for inquiries: veniceoffice@unesco.org

Website: https://www.unesco.org/en