Following 44 years of evolving creativity in the basement of Kilkenny Castle, The Butler Gallery has taken residence at ‘Evans’ Home’ in what was formerly an Alms house and has undergone quite a metamorphosis. The Gallery is now a stunning new contemporary art space to exhibit the work of emerging artists alongside highlighting international artists of repute. All this rests alongside a Learning Centre, a Digital Gallery and beautiful
gardens. The Butler Gallery has evolved over the centuries to reflect the story and history of Kilkenny and Ireland and it remains one of Kilkenny’s most iconic and historic locations today. The Evans’ family arrived in Kilkenny during the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland from 1649-1653. Joseph was the descendent of an English soldier who had come to Ireland with Cromwell and was rewarded with land in Kilkenny. He subsequently willed his entire fortune to charitable purposes and Evans’ Home was built in 1818 at a cost of £5,000 on the former site of a military barracks
Evans’ Home came into Council ownership in 1997 to develop it as the new Butler Gallery in a partnership with Kilkenny Local Authorities, Failte Ireland and the Department of Arts and Heritage. There is plenty to do and there is something for all the family here, look back before you look forward! Explore the impressive O’Malley or Butler Gallery collections currently on display or book the kids in for one of the workshops. Coffee at Muse is on hand for a swift elixir. Butler Gallery is dedicated to remaining at the forefront of artistic excellence, offering
programmes for family, youth, adult and community audiences, encouraging public engagement with exhibitions, contributing to audience development and raising awareness of the Gallery’s work at a local, national and international level.

Butler Gallery is located in the heart of Kilkenny City and is accessible by foot in Kilkenny
City.

Opening Hours

Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm
Thursdays Late Night 10am – 8pm
Sunday 11am – 5pm
Closed Mondays except bank holidays