The Helix, Dublin
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The Helix, formally The Helix Centre for the Performing Arts, is a multi-purpose venue located on the Dublin City University main campus in Glasnevin, Dublin. Officially opened by then President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, on 5 March 1996, the Helix contains a concert hall, theatre, studio theatre, exhibition space, artists-in-residence studios, and a green room and other support spaces, along with an in-site café.
History
Originally conceived as an aula maxima for the university, and also as the "North Dublin (Performing) Arts Centre," the Helix was built at a cost of €56.5 million between 1996 and mid-1998.
Design and features
The Helix was designed by the late Polish-born Dublin-based architect Andrzej Wejchert of A&D Wejchert & Partners Architects.<ref name="Wejchert">Template:Cite web</ref> It is a three-level building with elevations of contrasting glass and granite, and with an open void through which light spills from the roof. The 11,650 square metres of the building are built around a wide foyer with inclined columns and a helix-shaped stairway - the building was named for the helical structure that dominates the entrance.
The performance spaces include the main concert hall, "The O'Mahony Hall," main Helix theatre, "The Space" - a studio theatre, exhibition space, artists-in-residence studios, and a green room, while ancillary spaces include a café, box office, small shop, toilets and other amenities.
Performances and events
The Helix has been host to world-class performances ranging from Zach Bryan, the Russian State Philharmonic Orchestra, The St Petersburg Ballet, international theatre and world singers through to popular West End shows. Opera singers performing have included Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Lesley Garrett and Bryn Terfel. Rock musicians Van Morrison and Lou Reed have also played at the venue. Irish groups such as Celtic Thunder have also performed there.
Non-Entertainment Uses
During the COVID-19 pandemic the space was used as a vaccination centre beginning in February 2021.<ref name=it-the-dublin-theatre-turned-vaccination-centre-we-re-planning-for-5-000-people-a-day>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name=rte-helix-vaccine>Template:Cite news</ref> The capacity of the car park was a factor in choosing the building.<ref name=it-the-dublin-theatre-turned-vaccination-centre-we-re-planning-for-5-000-people-a-day/> The vaccination centre was the work of collaboration between general practitioners, practice nurses, medical students, Order of Malta Ambulance Corps, Order of Malta Ambulance Corps, Department of Health, Dublin City University and Dublin Airport.<ref name=rte-helix-vaccine/>
The university routinely uses Mahony Hall as a graduation ceremony venue.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
TV programmes
Many TV programmes have been broadcast from or recorded in The Helix.
| Programme | Channel | Years |
|---|---|---|
| You're a Star | RTÉ One | 2002–2008 |
| The Dunphy Show | TV3 | 2003 |
| The Panel | Network 2 | 2003 |
| Rip-Off Republic | RTÉ One | 2005 |
| Fame: The Musical | RTÉ One | 2010 |
| Take Me Out | TV3 | 2010–2013 |
| Family Fortunes | TV3 | 2012–2014 |
| The Voice of Ireland | RTÉ One | 2012–2016 |
| Ireland's Got Talent | Virgin Media One | 2018–2019 |
Awards
- Irish Concrete Society Award – Building Category
- Irish Joinery Award – Joinery of the Mahony Hall – 1st Prize
- Plan Opus Building Awards Winner (2003)
- Shortlisted for the Best Purpose-built Venue (2014)
References
External links
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