Galway City Museum has announced the launch of 'Museum Lates', a new initiative running from June to December 2026. Funded through the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport 'After Hours at the Museum' scheme and supported by Galway City Council, the programme aims to foster a diverse and accessible evening-time cultural experience in the city centre. The initiative is designed to boost local tourism by encouraging visitors to engage with Galway's heritage and creative sectors after dark.

Taking place on the last Thursday of every month from 5:00pm to 9:00pm, Museum Lates will allow the public to explore the museum's galleries after hours. The extended opening times will be accompanied by an immersive programme of musical performances, talks, workshops, and community events.

The schedule begins on 25 June with a curated line-up of tours, talks, and specialised performances. A key highlight includes Letters to Ireland – the Emigrant Experience in Their Own Words, a performance based on thousands of historical letters written by Irish emigrants to America during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, produced in partnership with the University of Galway.

The museum galleries will also host live music from acclaimed artists including Lúan, Cathedral, and Olan Monk, blending contemporary soundscapes with historical spaces. Additionally, the Irish language will feature prominently throughout the initiative, with dedicated events and performances organised in collaboration with An Bruach Thoir, alongside specialised tours delivered by Seán Ó Coistealbha. Alongside the live event programming, attendees can access the museum's permanent and temporary exhibitions covering history, science, and culture. These include Surrounded by Stone, Keepers of the Gael, Revolution in Galway, The Claddagh, Galway Hooker, Earth Action, Sea Science, and Superhuman.

Nighttime Economy Advisor Kate Howard said: "Museum Lates reflects the very best of our city—creative, welcoming, and alive well into the evening. By opening our cultural spaces after hours, we are supporting a vibrant night-time economy while making arts and culture more accessible for everyone".

The initiative represents a core action within the Galway City Night-Time Economy (NTE) Action Plan, aligning with the national Night-Time Economy report and the Programme for Government. By opening cultural facilities later in the day, the project aims to drive footfall to the city centre and ensure residents, students, workers, and families have greater access to cultural activities outside traditional operational hours.

Adam Stoneman, Acting Director of Galway City Museum, said: "Museum Lates is designed to broaden participation in the city's nighttime cultural life, with extended opening hours ensuring more people can access our exhibitions and collections, while a programme of immersive musical performances, engaging talks and workshops means people can encounter our exhibitions in new and exciting ways."

The project reflects a broader commitment by local and national bodies to develop an inclusive and safe night-time economy where cultural assets play a central role.

Members of the public are invited to attend the monthly events. Further information regarding specific schedules and activities can be found at GalwayCityMuseum.ie and ThisIsGalway/GalwayByNight.