A conference celebrating the life and work of Sam Stephenson, one of Ireland’s most controversial architects will be held at the National Museum of Ireland this Saturday, October 17th.

The National Museum has gathered a range of speakers to reflect on Stephenson’s life and work and his impact on and contribution to Irish architecture and design.

His buildings always attracted passionate responses from the public, either in favour or against. For example, his design for the Central Bank was criticised for its height, which flaunted the planning regulations of the day. Another example is the buildings at Wood Quay, which were never completed as designed due to the public outcry about the Viking city found buried on the site. Speakers will include the museum’s director Pat Wallace who was the archaeologist in charge of the excavations of the site at Wood Quay, Shane O’Toole, President of the Architectural Association of Ireland and director of the Irish Architecture Foundation, architect Seán O’Laoire, and Frank McDonald and Emma Cullinan of this parish. Tickets, to include a coffee break and lunch, cost €25 with a discount of €10 for students, senior citizens and the unwaged.

bookings@museum.ie; 01-6486453