On Friday, 19 September 2025, the College opened the doors of No. 6 Kildare Street once again for Culture Night / Oíche Chultúir. This important event celebrates all that makes up the richness and diversity of Culture in Ireland today, connecting people to cultural activities locally and nationally and aims to open up pathways to ongoing engagement.
Open from 4pm to 9pm, we invited the public to walk the halls of the historic home of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, to explore the art and sculpture that line the walls, and to explore the thousands of titles shelved in our Dun’s Library. The Heritage Centre team were joined by RCPI staff, President Dr Diarmuid O’Shea and members and fellows of the College to welcome the public into our home.
Visitors delved into our exhibition, Homesick: Domestic Medicine in Ireland c.1760-1900, which looks at how medicine (if you could afford it) was originally part of the household duties. From 18th Century books containing recipes to cure baldness, to the 19th Century magneto machines said to cure almost everything, medicine has come a long way.
In conjunction with the exhibition, we screened Anne Maree Barry's short film Leisure with Dignity. Leisure with Dignity combines the artists’ own psychogeographic walking tours of the 'Monto' area in Dublin, to create a film that reflects historical events while at the same time presenting a complex portrait of female empowerment. Anne Maree worked with food stylist Clare Anne O'Keefe to bring Countess Aldborough's recipe and experiment book to life in Leisure with Dignity. This book features in the Homesick exhibition, so we are extremely grateful to Anne Maree for allowing us to show her film alongside part of its inspiration.
The night ended with the fabulous Dawson Chorus, who made their RCPI debut on the night. They sang some of the biggest hits, past and present, making it an uplifting and fun way to end what was already a superb night.
In total, 1088 people walked through the doors of No. 6, making it our largest Culture Night attendance in many years. We want to thank everyone who made it so successful; visitors, staff and performers.