Culture
Dates announced for first public exhibition of Richard Harris Archive in Limerick July 4 – November 16
Dates announced for first public exhibition of Richard Harris Archive in Limerick. Official black and white photograph of Richard Harris as Henry VI. Richard Harris Archive, University College Cork.
Step into the extraordinary life and career of Richard Harris—one of Ireland’s most magnetic and unconventional talents—through a vivid new archive exhibition at the Hunt Museum featuring never-before-seen materials
From ‘Dickie to Richard’ – Richard Harris: Role of a Lifetime is the first ever public exhibition of items drawn from the actor’s own collection, including personal letters and annotated scripts to rare photographs, poetry, recordings, and sporting memorabilia. Role of a Lifetime offers an unprecedented glimpse into the mind and spirit of an artist who captivated audiences across generations.
A collaboration between the Harris Family, the Hunt Museum and University College Cork (UCC), this immersive exhibition draws on the rich treasures of the Harris Archive, donated by the actor’s family to UCC in 2022. It opens on 4th July 2025 and runs until 16th November 2025 at the Hunt Museum in Limerick city, the iconic actor’s birthplace.
The exhibition will offer an intimate portrait of Richard Harris, one of Ireland’s most celebrated and charismatic actors, whose career spanned stage, screen, poetry, and music, and provide a rare window into the artistic process and personal reflections of an actor who defied convention and left an indelible mark on global cinema.
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Damien, Jared and Jamie Harris, speaking on behalf of the family, said ‘Richard was a prolific writer and kept everything: Poems. Short stories. Scripts. Whether finished or works in progress. This exhibition gives people a sense of the depth and humour behind the public image. It means a lot to us to see it begin here, in Limerick.”
Barry Monahan, Department of Film & Screen Media, University College Cork, said “We are delighted that this exhibition is opening its doors in Limerick’s Hunt Museum. It offers the public – fans of Richard, of the arts, and of Irish culture – a wonderful glimpse into the mind and creative energy of this impressive and enigmatic Irishman, and it sheds light on the times and places in which he lived and worked.
“The exhibition comprises carefully selected artefacts from the larger archive, on which our UCC’s Special Collections and Archives team has been working. We are honoured that this magnificent donation is now housed, protected, preserved, and researched at University College Cork.”
“This exhibition is a homecoming for Richard,” said Teresa Crowley, CEO, Hunt Museum. “It not only honours his extraordinary career but celebrates his Limerick, Munster, and Irish roots, offering the public a unique opportunity to explore his artistic and sporting world in the city where his journey began.”
In addition to the main exhibition, an exciting series of public talks, film screenings, and events will accompany the show throughout its run with full details to be announced in the coming weeks.
Tickets are now available online priced at €12.50 for Adults, children under 16 go free. Opening hours are 10am – 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday.
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