The Helix, Dublin


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 the 21 October 2002, the Helix contains a concert hall, theatre, studio theatre, exhibition space, artists-in-residence studios, and a green room and other support spaces, as well as a café.

History

Originally conceived as an aula maxima for the university, and also as the "North Dublin Arts Centre," the Helix was built at a cost of €56.5 million between 2000 and mid-2002.

Design and features

The Helix was designed by the late Polish-born Dublin-based architect Andrzei Wejchert of A&D Wejchert & Partners Architects. 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 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 the venue. Irish groups such as Celtic Thunder have also performed there.

TV programmes

Many TV programmes have been broadcast from or recorded in The Helix.
ProgrammeChannelYears
You're a StarRTÉ One2002–2008
The Dunphy ShowTV32003
The PanelNetwork 22003
Rip-Off RepublicRTÉ One2005
RTÉ One2010
Take Me OutTV32010–2013
Family FortunesTV32012–2014
The Voice of IrelandRTÉ One2012–2016
Ireland's Got TalentVirgin Media One2018–present

Awards