The Golden Bandstand - Sculpture

 Overview

The Golden Bandstand – Sculpture by artist Garrett Phelan is a vibrant, functional artwork located between the Central Quad and Greenway Hub at Grangegorman.

Designed as a space for connection and expression, it invites people of all backgrounds to gather, reflect, and engage—whether through music, conversation, or quiet contemplation. Inspired by Dr. Joseph Lalor, a 19th-century medical superintendent at Grangegorman who championed the healing power of creativity, the piece echoes his belief in art’s role in emotional wellbeing.

While rooted in historical ethos, the bandstand is a contemporary work rich with symbolism. A sculpted curlew—one of Ireland’s most endangered birds—crowns the structure, reflecting Phelan’s lifelong passion for birds and music. Arched texts speak directly to surrounding buildings, establishing a subtle dialogue with space, while the design draws from the spirit of 70s and 80s punk and rock venues, reimagined in radiant gold. Intricate details, including radios, microphones, birds, and text fragments, are woven throughout the railings and garlands, bridging past and present and offering a layered exploration of memory, communication, and creative freedom.

Current Status

This project is currently complete