A carpet of cobblestone leads through pruned shrubs and neat lawns of a formal garden towards a single imposing stretch of pillars and cast iron frames. The late 17th century hospital once held its door open for retired soldiers and battle wounded. An open courtyard is hidden at the center of its four wings forming a square enclosure, mimicking the exact same style employed at Les Invalides, Paris. Quite ironically, this impression of history and regality bestowed by age is only at the surface for the hospital is now home to the Irish Museum of Modern Art, Ireland’s premier national institution for contemporary artwork.

Psychedelic colors splashed across canvas, humanoid features sketched as caricatures in extreme proportions, uncomfortable presentations of topics we shy from: these exhibits and more await visitors within the revamped interiors of the hospital. Enjoy over 3500 pieces of art rotated by the museum for display, taking your time to appreciate the underlying themes in each exhibit. For a step back in time, visitors should step into the chapel by the hospital. Its stained glass windows are a fractal of intricacy, floral friezes built along the ceiling and arching across the main alcove. Juxtaposed in this manner, the Royal Hospital now serves as a site reminding visitors of the past while probing questions about our future.