What is the Ark?

Opened in 1995, The Ark is Europe’s first custom-designed cultural centre devoted exclusively to innovative arts programming for, by, with, and about children. Located in an award winning building in the heart of Temple Bar, Dublin’s cultural quarter, The Ark houses an indoor theatre, an outdoor amphitheatre, gallery spaces and a workshop.

Central to the vision of The Ark is the belief that children, as citizens, have cultural entitlements equal to that of any adult. The Ark manifests this belief by presenting programmes across the arts of the highest quality, in association with leading professionals. From classical to popular and traditional to cutting edge, The Ark is both setting standards and exploring new dimensions in children’s arts provisioning.

The Ark generates most programmes itself, though sometimes visiting artists and companies are presented. Our mission is to provide children, aged between 4 and 14, with engaging, challenging and entertaining arts experiences.