Public Art | Belfast Galleries

Public Art

A preview of some of Belfast's most outstanding works of public art

There's more to public art in Belfast than the city's many and varied murals. Belfast is a city blessed with all types of eye-catching public artworks, installations that celebrate the urban landscape in which they are situated and stimulate the curiosity of the public for whom they were commissioned.

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Here, some of the most notable examples of public art in Belfast are explored in more detail. Click to activate the slideshow below for more information.

Art in Healthcare Environments

Hospitals and healthcare settings are amongst the finest public art galleries in Belfast, displaying work by some of Ireland's best known artists. The Artscare organisation promotes and co-ordinates the development of arts provision in health and social care settings throughout Northern Ireland. Artscare artists in residence encourage patients, residents, staff and visitors to participate in arts activities, and many works by artists and patients alike adorn the walls of the Royal Hospital, the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, the Mater, Musgrave Park, The Ulster and the South Belfast Trust Community Treatment & Care Centres.

Art in the Park

Launched in 1992 to encourage greater awareness of the importance of the city environment, The Forest of Belfast has commissioned several pieces of public art to enhance enjoyment of the city's parks and green spaces. These include works like 'Nest' by Tim Johnson, 'Badger' by Owen Crawford and 'Oak Throne' by Ned Jackson Smyth. For a full listing, the Art in the Park booklet can be obtained from The Forest of Belfast, 4-0 Linenhall Street, Belfast BT2 8BP or by calling Dr Ben Simon on 028 9027 0350.

West Belfast and Shankill

West Belfast and the Shankill Road are world-famous for their political wall murals. Less well known is the fact that they are also home to fascinating arts and heritage trails. Many new pieces of public art have been commissioned from local artists and communities to join the existing art created over many years. A route taking visitors around 44 pieces of art (22 in each area), has been signposted, while a complementary map gives details of each work. The trail and map also highlight sites of great historical and cultural interest in both areas, as well as celebrating the shared culture of the nationalist Falls and unionist Shankill communities. The maps are being distributed worldwide and can be found at many locations in Belfast, including the Belfast Welcome Centre at 47 Donegall Place (Tel: 028 9024 6609).