Glasshouse is a unique presence in Ireland’s nightlife and cultural scene, recognized not as a traditional nightclub but as a genre-blurring, forward-thinking music collective and events platform. Founded in 2016, Glasshouse quickly established itself as a vibrant force for contemporary classical and experimental music, predominantly based in
Dublin. Originally, Glasshouse did not inhabit a permanent venue but rather transformed various spaces—ranging from nightclubs and theatres to unconventional locations—into stages for immersive concerts.
Over the years, it has garnered an impressive reputation for curating inventive and imaginative performances that often blend classical repertoire with modern and electronic influences, and for offering a platform to Irish musicians and composers alongside international talent. Glasshouse has played a significant role in Ireland’s cultural resurgence, particularly by fostering a younger audience's appreciation for contemporary classical, crossover, and electronic music. While Glasshouse’s format and locations have
shifted, its core ethos has remained the same: to present music in innovative ways that
break down the barrier between performer and audience.
From intimate pop-up events to large-scale collaborations with festivals and arts organizations, Glasshouse has demonstrated flexibility and creativity in adapting to the evolving Irish arts landscape.
Notable artists who have been featured as part of Glasshouse events include internationally renowned acts such as
Nico Muhly and Bryce Dessner, as well as celebrated Irish artists like Lisa Hannigan,
Saint Sister, David Keenan, and Crash Ensemble. The collective’s own roster often includes acclaimed local musicians and composers, and they have reinterpreted works by Philip Glass,
Steve Reich, and Bon Iver, infusing their performances with a distinctive Irish contemporary flair.