Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland, has undergone a remarkable transformation from a period of conflict known as The Troubles to a peaceful and welcoming hub for art and design enthusiasts. The Troubles were a violent and divisive time in Northern Ireland’s history, lasting from the late 1960s until the Good Friday Agreement of 1998. During this time, the city of Belfast was divided along religious and political lines, and violence was an everyday occurrence. Despite the challenges, Belfast has emerged as a must-visit destination for those seeking an immersive and inspiring cultural experience. The city’s transformation is nothing short of remarkable, and its journey has become a source of inspiration and hope for many.

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In 2018, I traveled to Belfast to learn about the struggles of a society still coming to terms with its bloody history. This journey led me to the creation of the short documentary Artopia #Belfast, showcasing memorable encounters with some of the leading artists, designers, and curators in the city. As an art and design enthusiast myself, I want to share my Belfast city guide with those who seek to experience the city’s thriving art scene. With a rich history and impressive collection of art and design venues, Belfast offers a diverse range of cultural experiences that cater to all art enthusiasts. Explore the city’s galleries, museums, and public art installations, and immerse yourself in its vibrant cultural scene.

Art Venues:

For those interested in contemporary art, The MAC (Metropolitan Arts Centre) is a must-visit destination. The MAC is a contemporary arts venue that is home to exhibitions, theatre performances, dance shows, and music events. Its striking design and glass façade make the MAC building a work of art in its own right. The Metropolitan Museum of Contemporary Art is situated near the Cathedral Quarter and was designed by Irish architect Hal McKnight.

Situated in Belfast’s Botanic Gardens, the Ulster Museum is Northern Ireland’s largest museum, showcasing an extensive collection of fine art, applied art, archaeology, and ethnography. Established in 1821 as the Belfast Natural History Society, the museum began exhibiting in 1833 and has included an art gallery since 1890. With galleries covering Northern Ireland’s history from ancient times to the present day, as well as collections of modern and ethnographic art, historic and contemporary fashion and textiles, the Ulster Museum is a fascinating destination for art and history enthusiasts alike, offering a diverse range of exhibitions and collections.

The Naughton Gallery at Queen’s is an art gallery located within Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland. Named after its benefactors, Martin and Carmel Naughton, the gallery plays a significant role in the cultural landscape of the university and the wider Belfast community. The gallery is known for its dynamic and innovative exhibition program that showcases a diverse range of contemporary art, including works by local, national, and international artists. The gallery’s exhibitions often explore intersections between art, science, and technology, reflecting the broad interests and academic strengths of Queen’s University. In addition to its exhibitions, the gallery hosts a variety of events, talks, and workshops, making it a vibrant cultural hub within the university.

Catalyst Arts Gallery is a pivotal artist-led contemporary art gallery located in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Established in 1993, it has played a crucial role in fostering and promoting the contemporary art scene in Belfast and beyond. Catalyst Arts is dedicated to providing a space for experimental and innovative art projects, exhibitions, and performances, often showcasing work by emerging artists alongside more established practitioners.

Vault Artist Studios is an exciting and vibrant community of artists, spanning a wide array of disciplines such as visual arts, music, puppetry, photography, filmmaking, beekeeping, and writing. Their innovative and dynamic projects, which include workshops, open studios, and live performances, attract a multitude of visitors to their venues, offering an immersive and distinctive cultural experience.

Gormleys Fine Art is one of Northern Ireland’s leading art galleries, specializing in contemporary and traditional Irish art. Established over 30 years ago, Gormleys has built a strong reputation for offering a diverse range of high-quality art, including paintings, sculptures, and limited edition prints. The gallery represents a variety of acclaimed artists, both emerging talents and established names in the Irish and international art scenes.

The Golden Thread Gallery, nestled near Belfast’s vibrant Cathedral Quarter on Great Patrick Street. This publicly funded contemporary art space offers an enriching experience with its diverse range of temporary exhibits that are thoughtfully curated to showcase both renowned artists and innovative film and sculptural installations.

Belfast Exposed Photography is was established in 1983 amidst The Troubles, this gallery was founded by local photographers with the aim of presenting Belfast through the lens of its working-class residents, challenging the prevailing media narratives of the time. Today, it stands as Northern Ireland’s premier photography organization, offering four public galleries that feature a compelling mix of works by both local talents and internationally acclaimed photographers. Beyond its exhibitions, Belfast Exposed maintains a significant archive and runs a “Futures” program to support emerging photographers.

Contemporary Street Art:

The Cathedral Quarter is an area of the city that has undergone significant revitalization and transformation in recent years. The area was previously affected by violence during The Troubles, but it has now emerged as a hub of creativity and innovation. The area is home to many galleries, studios, and performance spaces. It’s a vibrant arts and cultural scene, with plenty of public art installations, street art, and art galleries to discover. Take a stroll through the cobbled streets, and you’ll find many hidden gems that showcase Belfast’s thriving arts scene.

Street art in Belfast holds a significant place in the history of The Troubles. The murals played a prominent role in communicating messages during this period and served as a powerful reminder of the violence and hostility between the conflicting parties. I highly recommend taking a tour of contemporary street art in the city using Seedhead Arts led by Adam Turkington, a curator and artistic director. Turkington is also the mastermind behind the Belfast Street Art Festival Hit The North, which aims to celebrate life and steer clear of anything that might lead to violence or provocation. Hit The North festival, a weekend event that has made a lasting impact on the city over the last decade. HTN has revolutionized the visual landscape in the city center and Cathedral Quarter, with over 400 mesmerizing murals painted.

As you wander through the city, be sure to explore these contemporary murals, each a testament to the creative spirit fostered by the Hit The North festival. The Flax Flower mural by Studio Giftig, located on James Street South in Belfast, is a stunning tribute to the city’s linen industry heritage, featuring flax flowers which symbolize new beginnings. The Duel of Belfast, Dance by Candlelight by Conor Harrington, found on Hill Street, is a significant and iconic piece depicting two men fighting over the carcass of a dead animal, serving as a powerful metaphor for Belfast’s troubled past and its ongoing challenges. Finally, Lobster Pot by SMUG in High Street Court, created in 2016, offers a hyper-realistic portrayal of a chef with a lobster, showcasing Smug’s exceptional skill in photorealism and paying homage to the city’s culinary heritage and its connection to the sea. 

The mural The Son of Protagoras in Talbot Street, created by the French artist MTO, features a thought-provoking image of a child holding a dove pierced by two arrows, one representing Catholicism and the other Protestantism. This artwork delves into the theme of religious division, suggesting that such conflicts harm innocence and peace. MTO’s use of Protagoras, known as the father of agnosticism, underscores the message that religious strife is detrimental to society, echoing a call for unity beyond religious divides in Northern Ireland.

Shopping Delight:

Born and Bred is a design shop and studio in Belfast that aims to support local artists and designers. The shop provides mentoring for makers and sells locally-made gifts, including a collection of stunning art, clothing, homeware, and accessories. Located in the city center, this creative hub is a must-visit for anyone seeking beautiful and unique pieces that showcase the talent of Belfast’s artists and designers.

Maven is an independent store that offers a carefully curated selection of homeware, lighting, and furniture. They stock a variety of top brands such as HAY, GUBI, MENU, Muuto, fermLIVING, String, Skagerak, and Anglepoise. Whether you’re looking for a new lamp, stylish furniture, or unique home accessories, Maven has something to offer. With their focus on quality and design, you can be sure to find something special that will elevate your home decor.

St. George’s Market in Belfast, Northern Ireland, is the city’s last remaining Victorian covered market. Built between 1890 and 1896, the market is home to over 300 vendors selling crafts, food, and other goods, and is open from Friday through Sunday. The Sunday market emphasizes local arts and crafts, allowing local craftspeople to showcase their talents while visitors can enjoy live music and specialty foods. Browse through a wide selection of stalls selling everything from clothing to antiques and indulge in unique goods like scented candles and handmade jewelry. Don’t miss the permanent stall of Itty Bitty Book Co., offering printed books and crafts promoting positivity and good vibes. St. George’s Market is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an authentic shopping and cultural experience in Belfast.

Music and Performance:

Located in the vibrant Cathedral Quarter, The Black Box is a dynamic multi-purpose arts venue that offers a wide range of entertainment options, including music, theatre, comedy, film, visual art, circus, cabaret, and a fully-stocked bar. Whether you’re looking for an evening of live performances or a relaxed night out with friends, The Black Box is the perfect destination.

The Grand Opera House is a stunning example of oriental-inspired design, conceived by celebrated theatre designer Frank Matcham and opened in December 1895. Hosting a wide range of performances, including operas, concerts, pantomimes, dance shows, musicals, comedy, and drama productions. Despite facing challenges, including bomb damage in the early-90s due to its proximity to the Europa Hotel, which holds the dubious distinction of being the “most bombed hotel in Europe,” the building was refurbished in 2006. The Grand Opera House stands as a testament to the power of art and design to endure, inspire, and captivate audiences for generations.

Beat Carnival, established in 1993, is a carnival arts company based in Northern Ireland that has been encouraging Belfast’s creative community life in culturally inclusive and artistically ambitious ways. Their focus is to provide individuals of all ages and abilities with free workshops and training programs in a wide range of carnival-related art forms. The Beat Carnival Centre, the base for their artistic work, is located on the northwest side of the city center. Every year, Beat Carnival engages thousands of participants through over 600 arts activities, five large-scale outdoor events, and 35 to 70 smaller performances in public places, attracting an annual audience of 250,000 to 500,000.

Culture Night Belfast is an annual event that transforms the city center into a vibrant celebration of arts, culture, and entertainment. This eagerly anticipated occasion brings together a wide array of performances, workshops, tours, exhibitions, and interactive activities, all free of charge and open to the public. Streets, venues, and unexpected spaces across Belfast come alive with musicians, dancers, artists, and storytellers, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of the city. From live music and dance to street art and theatrical performances, Culture Night offers something for everyone, drawing locals and tourists alike into a communal experience of creativity and discovery.

Historical:

The Albert Memorial Clock is a prominent landmark located in Belfast. It stands at Queen’s Square in the city center and is one of Belfast’s best-known symbols. The clock tower was completed in 1869 and was built as a memorial to Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria, following his death in 1861. The tower is notable for its Gothic Revival architectural style, featuring intricate carvings, statues, and a spire that reaches a height of 113 feet (34 meters). Over the years, the Albert Memorial Clock has become an iconic image of Belfast, despite being known for its noticeable lean. The lean is due to the tower being built on wooden piles on marshy, reclaimed land around the River Farset, which has led to foundation issues.

Queen’s University Belfast, with its striking architecture epitomized by the Lanyon Building, stands as a testament to the rich academic and architectural heritage of Northern Ireland. The Lanyon Building, named after Sir Charles Lanyon, an esteemed architect who played a significant role in shaping the architectural landscape of Victorian Belfast, was completed in 1849. This period was marked by a revival of Gothic architectural styles, which sought to evoke the grandeur and solemnity of medieval Gothic architecture, but with the addition of modern construction techniques and materials.

And Beyond:

Belfast Design Week is a dynamic celebration of contemporary design, showcasing a diverse range of events and activities that specialize in design, visual communication, illustration, product design, UX, tech, fashion, textiles, digital, animation, and film.

For TV and movie fans, visiting filming locations can be an exciting and immersive experience. Game of Thrones enthusiasts, in particular, should make Northern Ireland a priority destination as it is home to many iconic filming locations, including Winterfell, the King’s Road, the Iron Islands, Dragonstone, and the Wall. A standout location is the Bregagh Road, famously known as the Dark Hedges or King’s Road in the show. The breathtaking two rows of beech trees were planted in the 18th century by James Stuart to line the entrance to his home, Gracehill House. Immerse yourself in the world of Westeros by taking a guided tour or going on a self-guided adventure, and don’t forget to capture your memories with plenty of photos.

The Giant’s Causeway, located on the northeast coast of Northern Ireland, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its remarkable geological formation of approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, created by an ancient volcanic eruption. This natural wonder features hexagonal pillars that form a unique pathway leading from the cliff base into the sea, captivating visitors with its sheer natural beauty and intriguing geometric shapes. Enveloped in myth and legend, notably the tale of the giant Finn McCool from Irish folklore, the Giant’s Causeway is not just a geological marvel but also a significant cultural landmark. Managed by the National Trust, it offers an educational visitor center and attracts tourists worldwide, eager to explore its majestic landscape and the rich stories embedded in its history.

Belfast’s journey from a divided city to a thriving art and design destination is remarkable. The city’s past has been transformed into a source of inspiration, and its cultural offerings are a testament to its resilience and determination. Belfast’s rich history, combined with its vibrant arts scene, makes it an ideal destination for those seeking an immersive and inspiring cultural experience.