NCH Discover Centre: A new national centre for music learning and participation

The NCH Discover Centre marks the beginning of the planned once-in-a generation redevelopment of the National Concert Hall. This is an ambitious programme to transform the NCH from a historic performance venue into a vibrant, accessible cultural campus — a true home for music in Ireland. The expanded campus will feature new and enhanced performance spaces, learning and participation facilities, and welcoming civic spaces, engaging more than 500,000 visitors each year. At its heart, the redevelopment will deepen the NCH’s national impact, ensuring music is experienced, explored and shared by generations to come.

Located in the heart of Dublin city centre, the NCH complex features several historic buildings, including the Pathology Block, a protected structure. Central to the redevelopment is the conservation and refurbishment of this block, transforming the former UCD School of Medicine into a hub for music learning and engagement, the NCH Discover Centre.

A Dedicated Home for Music Learning and Participation

Dedicated learning and participation centre for music
Two acoustically enhanced recital spaces
Flexible workshop and rehearsal spaces
Dedicated gamelan room
Universal access throughout

At the heart of the building

Central landscaped courtyard, accessible to all, bringing light and openness
Secure, family-friendly environment
Inclusive design throughout
Sensitive restoration, giving new life to a historic building

The Pathology Block refurbishment involves meticulous conservation efforts. The sandstone facade and chimney stack will be cleaned, repaired, and conserved, with necessary repointing of the brickwork. Existing windows, doors, roof lights, and the slate roof will be restored, with slim-line glazing added to improve acoustics. Secondary glazing will be installed internally, and new timber sliding sash windows will replace existing ones to maintain the historic aesthetic.

The project also includes significant external enhancements. These feature hard and soft landscaping to improve accessibility and aesthetics, new steps, and gently sloped inclines. Protective measures for mature lime trees and modern amenities such as new bicycle stands will support environmental sustainability.

With these extensive refurbishments, the National Concert Hall is set to enhance its position as a vibrant cultural hub for music. This project honours the historical legacy of its buildings while reimagining them as inclusive spaces for musical exploration. NCH aims to inspire a new generation of music lovers and ensure the arts remain integral to Ireland’s cultural fabric.

Construction work commenced in January 2026 on the NCH Discover Centre, and is set to be completed in early 2027.

Programmes at the NCH Discover Centre

NCH Discover offers a rich and diverse programme of music activities, supporting listening, learning, creativity and participation at every stage of life.
Concerts and music experiences for children and families
Schools and education programmes supporting learning across the curriculum
Workshops for students, musicians and adult learners
Music-based health and wellbeing programmes designed to enhance mental health and overall quality of life
Inclusive and accessible music programmes for people of all ages and abilities