Culture Night Dublin returns this Friday, September 17, and this year the annual celebration of arts and culture will see 300 in-person and online events taking place at 240 venues across the city and county. Museums, galleries and cultural heritage sites will open their doors and welcome visitors from 4pm until late and the city will come alive with exhibitions, performances, interactive classes and workshops. As always, everything is free for the public to attend. The Culture Night Dublin Co-ordinator Muireann O’Sullivan has put together her top five recommendations from this year’s programme:

1. Experience a hypnotic dance

As part of this year’s Culture Night, a number of artist commissions were awarded through the support of Dublin City Council. One of those commissions went to the Irish Modern Dance Theatre who have created a stunning new urban dance performance called “Street Symphony”. Created by legendary Irish choreographer John Scott, the hypnotic group dance will be performed outdoors at two locations on the night. And if anyone misses the performance filmmaker Barry Lynch has created a video of the piece which will be available to view online. Performances; Wood Quay Amphitheatre 6:15pm; Meeting House Square; 7:15pm. More information here.

2. Take a tour of “Edo in Colour”

Described by the Lonely Planet as “not just the best museum in Dublin, but one of the best in Europe” Chester Beatty will be providing tours of the Japanese woodblock prints which are currently on display as part of the museum’s “Edo in Colour” exhibition. Featuring 100 prints and printed books, “Edo in Colour” explores how woodblock prints “shaped a city’s identity as they crafted its image”. Chester Beatty, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2; booking required for the tour. More information here.

3. Marvel at Patrick O’Reilly sculptures

Gormley’s Fine Art has created a Patrick O’Reilly sculpture trail which will take you to some of the capital’s most beautiful destinations including Merrion Hotel, Merrion Square Park, and St Stephen’s Green. Known for his iconic bear sculptures, O’Reilly is one of Ireland’s most respected artists. Merrion Square Park, Dublin 2; 4pm – 8.30pm. More information here.

4. Explore the life of Jack B Yeats

The National Gallery will be providing free entry to its stunning new Jack B Yeats exhibition. One of Ireland’s most important painters, the exhibition coincides with the 150th anniversary of the artist’s birth and features a collection of his oil paintings created over a 40 year period. Merrion Square West, Dublin; 5pm-9pm. More information here.

5. Take in some theatre at Bewley’s

An arts institution in its own right, the Iconic Bewley’s Cafe on Dublin’s Grafton Street will present a programme of theatre excerpts and highlights from its lunchtime programme in The Poet’s Corner, on the first floor. While you’re there take in the exquisite Harry Clarke stained glass window or simply enjoy some great food and drinks. 78 – 79 Grafton Street, Dublin 2. More information here.

To view the full Culture Night Programme visit CultureNightDublin.ie.