Tuam mother and baby exhibition 'powerful reminder of survivor stories'

A detailed scale model of the former Tuam mother and baby institution, created by historian Catherine Corless, forms one of its key displays. Picture: Marta Barcikowska, Galway City Museum

A groundbreaking new exhibition exploring Ireland's institutional past has opened at Galway City Museum, offering visitors a powerful insight into the experiences of women and children connected to the Tuam mother and baby institution.

‘Survivor Stories: Tuam and Ireland's Institutional Past’ opened today and runs until September 2026.

It was developed through a collaboration between the University of Galway and Galway City Museum, and is the first museum exhibition in Ireland dedicated to examining mother and baby institutions and their lasting impact on Irish society.

Museum organisers say the exhibition aims not only to preserve survivors' stories but also to encourage reflection on a painful chapter in Irish history. Picture: Marta Barcikowska, Galway City Museum

The exhibition is based on the Tuam Oral History Project, led by historians Dr Sarah-Anne Buckley and Dr John Cunningham, which has recorded the testimonies of survivors and those directly affected by institutionalisation since 2018.

Visitors will encounter the first-hand accounts of survivors through audio and visual installations alongside photographs, personal documents and artefacts that illustrate daily life within the institutions.

Historian Catherine Corless, whose research brought international attention to the Tuam mother and baby institution, has played a central role in the exhibition.

A detailed scale model of the former institution, created by Ms Corless, forms one of its key displays.

A detailed scale model of the Tuam mother and baby institution. Picture: Marta Barcikowska, Galway City Museum

The exhibition also includes portraits of survivors by photographer Marta Barcikowska and a poignant lock of hair from writer and survivor John Patrick (JP) Rodgers.

Museum organisers say the exhibition aims not only to preserve survivors' stories but also to encourage reflection on a painful chapter in Irish history.

An accompanying podcast series allows visitors to explore the testimonies in greater depth, while a programme of public talks, workshops and screenings will run throughout the exhibition.

President of University of Galway, Professor David Burn said: “It is fitting that Catherine Corless and survivors of the Tuam Mother and Baby institution will now have a place beside heroes of Galway in our city museum. We are delighted to partner with Galway City Museum on this project as it encapsulates our shared commitment to enrich our cultural heritage by truly engaging audiences to help us all learn lessons from our dark past.

“Belonging and Respect are two of our university’s core values where

‘Survivor Stories: Tuam and Ireland's Institutional Past’ runs until September 2026. Picture: Marta Barcikowska, Galway City Museum

everyone should feel welcomed, supported, connected and valued as an integral part of our community. This dedicated exhibition acts as a powerful reminder of the historical absence of such values and why it is so important that the wider public gets to learn about these 18 survivor life stories.”