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This year, Culture Night will take place on Friday 16th September between 5pm and 11pm all over the country. Arts and cultural organisations open their doors until late with hundreds of free events, tours, talks & performances for you, your family and friends to enjoy.

On the 16th, between 6pm and 8pm the first two houses of John Rothe Fitzpiers’ Renaissance mansion will be open free of charge. To celebrate his success as a cloth merchant of some renown we have two very special experiences planned for you;

 

Curator’s Choice

Visitors will have the chance to see some of Kilkenny Archaeological Society’s magnificent costume collection up close. Our curator has chosen some special items from storage which will be on display for one night only. The curator herself will be on hand to speak about the costumes and the challenges of looking after such important pieces. There will also be some not-so-precious costumes on display so kids of all ages can get the chance to dress up!

Ros Tapestry Stitchers

Did you know that the final panel of the extraordinary Ros Tapestry is being worked on in Rothe House? A panel depicting the Battle of Ossory, which took place in Co. Kilkenny in 1170, is on display as a work in progress alongside three of Anne Griffin Bernstorff’s huge painted canvases. On Culture Night the stitchers themselves will be here so you can see them at work. They will even give you the opportunity to make your own stitch in the historic tapestry if you have a steady hand…

Drop in to say hello any time between 6pm and 8pm, we’re looking forward to seeing you!

Or check out the Culture Night website for all listings.