Cork 2005: European Capital of Culture presents Eighteen Turns designed by Daniel Libeskind, Architect, with Arup, in the splendid setting of the grounds of Fota House and Gardens, Cork from May to December 2005. Daniel Libeskind is a leading international figure in the world of Architectural Practice and Urban Design, and this extraordinary pavilion was commissioned by the Serpentine Gallery in 2001.

Daniel Libeskind's reputation has been secured by important completed works such the Jewish Museum in Berlin, the Imperial War Museum North in Manchester and several other major cultural and commercial institutions worldwide, as well as his competition-winning scheme for the Ground Zero master plan in New York. Eighteen Turns will endear itself to the public for the next nine months as surely as Fota House itself always has.

On view to the public for the first time since 2001, this temporary structure is a showcase of unconventional contemporary architecture and offers a once in a lifetime opportunity for Corkonians to encounter and debate world class architecture in their own city. Measuring 35m x 18m and rising to 7m at its highest point, Eighteen Turns is a stretch of the imagination; an aluminium structure with angled planes, reflective surfaces, and interlocking spiralling shapes that will capture, entertain and inform young and old.

As a piece of architecture, Eighteen Turns is unpredictable and innovative and a very fitting fixture in Cork during its tenure as European Capital of Culture. As Libeskind says Architecture is poetry all around us. He has described Eighteen Turns as being about fun...playful...for entertainment...a classical folly. However, the pavilion is not just an object of beauty but of function too: while in situ at the Kensington Gardens, London, it hosted the BBC proms Poetry Readings, a series of debates on urban design and a café.

Mary McCarthy, Deputy Director of Cork 2005 said today: Cork 2005 are delighted to bring this incredible structure to Cork for the public to see, touch, feel and experience first-hand innovative architecture of the highest international standard. Joe Gavin, City Manager Cork City Council and Fota Trust Board member said I think Corkonians will feel very proud and inspired by having such a masterpiece on their doorstep and those who visit our city will leave with an appreciation of our architectural vision.

Viewing in Cork is free of charge and with regular trains and buses to Fota from the city centre, it is expected that interest in this unique structure will follow the London trend, with large crowds visiting the installation throughout the year. Speaking about the forthcoming arrival, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Mr Tom Parlon, said we are delighted that someone of Daniel Libeskind's standing in the world of architecture is allowing his Eighteen Turns piece to be on show at Fota House and Gardens. I have no doubt that very many people will flock to what, in itself, is a most picturesque venue to see this prestigious exhibit. It is a further feather in the cap of Cork 2005 to secure this masterpiece for the rest of the year.

Eighteen Turns is being described as a symbol of the architectural make-over Cork has been undergoing over the past few years, most notably Beth Gali's inventive designs for Patrick St and Oliver Plunkett St, the Lewis Glucksman Gallery at UCC, and Shandon Bridge. Eighteen Turns can become an icon of contemporary Cork, as well as an expression of the creative architectural possibilities for the city's future, currently a key concern with the imminent development of Cork's docklands.

Eighteen Turns, designed by Daniel Libeskind, Architect with Arup, Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2001, has been kindly loaned to Cork 2005 by its owner, cite. This is a Cork 2005 project, proposed and project-managed by Keogan Architects and supported by the OPW. It has been facilitated by the Fota Trust, through the offices of Professor Tom Raftery, who has welcomed the installation at their wonderful Fota House and Gardens venue.

Daniel Libeskind will also present a free ticketed lecture to the public at Cork Opera House on the 5th May 2005 at 6pm. The Daniel Libeskind lecture: Memory Foundation is sponsored by Hamilton Osborne King. This event has been booked out.