Ninth Architecture Kerry Festival To Open With Exhibition At MTU

THE ninth annual Architecture Kerry Festival will officially open on Wednesday, September 23 at 11.30am with the launch of a major exhibition celebrating Villa Tugendhat, one of the world’s most important examples of modern architecture at the MTU campus in Tralee.

Hosted by Kerry County Council and MTU in collaboration with the Embassy of the Czech Republic, the exhibition will explore the history and significance of Villa Tugendhat, designed by renowned architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and completed in Brno, Czech Republic, in 1930.

The building is regarded as one of the most significant works of the Modern Movement and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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The exhibition also celebrates the growing cultural links between Kerry and the Czech Republic, with Kerry paired with the Czech Republic as part of the Ireland Presidency of the Council of the European Union’s county twinning initiative.

Architecture Kerry Festival 2026 offers a three-week programme of events running from 18th September until 9th October, highlighting Kerry’s diverse architectural heritage and contemporary built environment. The programme includes free guided tours, talks, exhibitions and discussions covering historic buildings, renovation and adaptation projects, industrial heritage, contemporary architecture, low-carbon homes and public spaces — with something to inspire architecture enthusiasts, families and visitors alike.

Events will take place across the county, with Kerry County Museum, Kerry County Library and MTU also hosting events exploring archaeology, technology, architecture and Kerry’s built environment with something for .

The festival will conclude on Friday, October 9 with a one-day seminar hosted by Kerry County Council and the Irish Georgian Society at Kerry Writers’ Museum, Listowel, entitled North Kerry’s 18th-Century Historic Houses: Architectural and Landscape Treasures.

Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Mikey Sheehy, said: “It is fantastic to see the continued success of Architecture Kerry and the way the festival opens up historic buildings and architectural spaces to communities and visitors. Kerry has an extraordinary architectural heritage, alongside significant investment in contemporary architecture, design and vibrant public places.

“These places are vital as our population grows and contribute enormously to the quality of life of our communities. Architecture Kerry gives us an opportunity to celebrate what we have while looking at how we shape Kerry’s built environment for the future.”

Declan O’Malley, Senior Executive Planner with Kerry County Council, said: “We are delighted to bring Architecture Kerry back for another year with a programme that celebrates the county’s unique architectural heritage and changing built environment.

“We are particularly pleased to collaborate with the Embassy of the Czech Republic and MTU on the Villa Tugendhat exhibition. It is a great opportunity to bring an internationally significant example of modern architecture to Kerry and celebrate our cultural links with the Czech Republic.

“There is something for everyone in this year’s programme, whether you have a strong interest in architecture or simply want to discover more about the buildings and places around you.”

Architecture Kerry is funded by Kerry County Council, Creative Ireland, the National Built Heritage Service and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in partnership with the Valentia island development Company, Tadgh Casey, the Irish Georgian Society, the, Sugrue Design, Astellas, amongst others

The full programme of events will be available shortly on the Kerry County Council website.