Glasnevin Cemetery

Where the stories of 1.5 million people are faithfully preserved.

Glasnevin Cemetery is Ireland’s national cemetery, located on the edge of Dublin city.

Tandem provided Exhibition and Interpretive Design Services to improve the visibility and profile of the museum within the cemetery, including the development of a new permanent exhibition ‘Extra-ordinary Lives’.

We worked closely with the expert historians at Glasnevin to craft a narrative approach that was both intriguing and respectful of the stories of the cemetery.

Our guiding interpretive principle was to take a people-centred approach to ensure that all stories of the cemetery—from a well-known political hero to an unknown figure—were shared and celebrated. We developed a cast of characters, both living and deceased, to guide the interpretation and deliver these unique stories of Glasnevin Cemetery.

Across the museum space, we took a sensitive and thoughtful approach to integrate with the existing interpretation, to ensure continuity between the new and old visitor experience. Our design incorporated a rich visual graphic scheme and we collaborated with audio-visual producers to develop a series of ‘vox pop’ media interventions to share stories and memories of Glasnevin Cemetery.

Today, Glasnevin Cemetery has resumed its role as an important reflective place where visitors, families and friends can meet and experience the stories of those connected to the cemetery.

Our sensitive and considered interpretation approach has resulted in a thought-provoking and powerful visitor experience.