Enjoy a nature workshop in the Long Room including a story, a craft and an astronaut adventure!

In line with this year’s Open House Dublin theme ‘Future Heritage’ children will find out what is being done now so that the Old Library building can be valued by future generations. They will have the opportunity to reflect on protecting our planet for future generations too.

Bringing in themes of nature, conservation, space and Greek mythology, this workshop is inspired by Gaia, our illuminated sculpture of the Earth by artist Luke Jerram. Named after the ancient Greek goddess who personifies the earth, Gaia features NASA imagery of the earth’s surface and showcases the planet floating in three dimensions as viewed from space. The artist’s purpose for Gaia to highlight the beauty and fragility of the Earth chimes with that of the Old Library Redevelopment Project to safeguard the 18th century Old Library building and conserve its precious collections for future generations.

Story: An excerpt from Gaia Goddess of Earth by Imogen and Isabel Greenberg.
Astronaut adventure: An imaginary journey to space through a short guided visualisation activity.
Craft: A seed mosaic craft using air-dry clay as well as dried seeds and beans.

Tip: Bring in a small box/container (at least 20x20cm) so it will be easier to take your craft home undamaged.

Meeting Point: The workshop takes place at the Gaia sculpture in the Long Room.

Pre-Book Only

The workshop will take place under the Gaia sculpture in the Long Room on the first floor of the Old Library building.

The first floor is accessed via two flights of stairs and there is also a small lift which can accommodate one wheelchair or buggy at a time. To use the lift, please ask a Library Guard for assistance on arrival.

There are cobblestones on the grounds of Trinity College which you will pass through on the way to the Old Library but there are also footpaths for easier access. There are three steps at the main door of the Old Library and there is also a ramp for accessibility.