Cork Public Museum Launches Ireland’s First Permanent LGBTQ Exhibition

On 20 August 2026, Ireland marked a significant milestone with the opening of its first permanent LGBTQ museum exhibition titled "We Were Always Here" at the Cork Public Museum in Fitzgerald Park. This pioneering exhibition is a collaboration between the museum and the Cork LGBT Archive, showcasing a rich collection of physical and digital archives. Curator Orla Egan emphasized the importance of making Cork’s LGBTQ history visible and accessible, countering the historical narrative that has often marginalized or erased this community. The initiative reflects the museum's ongoing commitment to inclusivity and recognition of diverse histories within Cork. This exhibition is not only a first for Ireland but also builds on previous efforts to acknowledge the histories of various communities, including the Travellers and the Jewish community in Cork.

Egan noted that the LGBTQ community's history has frequently been ignored, and this exhibition serves as a vital step towards rectifying that oversight. She highlighted the importance of showcasing the stories of individuals and organizations that have fought for LGBTQ rights, particularly during a time when homosexuality was illegal in Ireland until 1993. The exhibition aims to foster respect and inclusion, especially in light of recent increases in transphobia and homophobia. Dan Breen, the curator of the Cork Public Museum, remarked on the museum's evolution over its 80-year history, noting its pride in being the first in Ireland to host a permanent LGBTQ collection. Cork has a rich history of being at the forefront of LGBTQ rights in Ireland, having hosted the first National Gay Conference in 1981 and the first Irish Lesbian and Gay Film Festival in 1991.

Furthermore, Cork made history in 1992 by featuring the first LGBTQ float in a St. Patrick’s Day parade anywhere in the world. This exhibition continues that tradition of firsts, marking a significant moment in Cork’s LGBTQ history and identity. The exhibition is supported by funding from Cork City Council, the Heritage Council, and the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport. It also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the first gay center opening in Cork, established by the Irish Gay Rights Movement in 1976. In a groundbreaking addition, Cork has also become the first city outside the United States to display the original Rainbow flag, a powerful symbol of LGBTQ pride and equality, designed by activist Gilbert Baker in 1978. This flag will be on loan to the Cork Public Museum for four months as part of the exhibition.

Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Damian Boylan, expressed pride in Cork's role as a safe haven for all individuals, reflecting the city’s motto, "Statio Bene Fida Carinis," which translates to "A Safe Harbour for Ships." He encouraged residents and visitors to reflect on the significance of the Rainbow flag and what it represents for the LGBTQ community, emphasizing Cork's commitment to providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. The exhibition not only celebrates the LGBTQ community but also invites the public to engage with this important aspect of Cork's heritage.