RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences has today announced that it will open a brand new free exhibition space dedicated to health and well-being. Humanarium, which is located at RCSI’s landmark new education and research building at 118 St Stephen’s Green, will open the doors to its first exhibition in February 2026.

Supported by Blackrock Health – along with AIB, Lanas and HSE Healthy Ireland – Humanarium will host a rolling programme of exhibitions, events and activities and offer a place for everyone to join conversations about living longer, healthier and happier lives.

The café at Humanarium will open to the public on Monday, 1 December and its first exhibition will be Heart: More than a Beat. This free exhibition will examine how the heart works and the steps we can take as individuals to keep our hearts healthy. It will also explore the current treatments available in cardiovascular health and cutting-edge developments in research and surgery for cardiac care. The exhibition will be supported by a regular calendar of free activities and events.

Professor Fergal O'Brien, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at RCSI, said: “As Ireland’s only university dedicated entirely to health sciences, ranked world number one for our contribution to UNSDG 3: Good Health and Well-being by the Times Higher Education, RCSI has created Humanarium to empower visitors to take informed, positive steps toward improving their own health, while fostering a deeper appreciation of the advances that are being made in health sciences and medicine.

“We are delighted to make this announcement during Science Week – a time when people of all ages have the opportunity to explore the world-class science carried out across the country. In this era of misinformation and disinformation, access to trustworthy scientific knowledge about our health has never been more vital. Humanarium will make medical and scientific understanding both accessible and engaging, inspiring curiosity and confidence in evidence-based science.”

“We are grateful to our partners - Blackrock Health, AIB, Lanas and HSE Healthy Ireland for their invaluable support. Together, we will strive to make a meaningful difference to the health and well-being of the people of Ireland,” added Professor O’Brien.

Dr Alison Boyle, Gallery Director at Humanarium, said: “ We are looking forward to welcoming everyone to Humanarium to become part of a dynamic hub for dialogue on health and well-being and to working with RCSI researchers, patient advocates and our visitors in facilitating engaging and accessible discussions around health and well-being.”

Visit humanarium.ie for more information.