Things to see and do Ireland

Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane

Dublin City Gallery, The Hugh Lane, houses a superb collection of modern and contemporary Irish and international art. The Hugh Lane first opened its doors on 20th of January 1908 in Clonmell House, Harcourt Street, Dublin and it is thought to be among the first galleries of modern art in the world. In 1933 the Municipal Gallery moved to Charlemont House, a neo-classical town house designed in 1765 by William Chambers for James Caulfeild, the first Earl of Charlemont. In 2006 a new extension designed by Gilroy McMahon saw the gallery double in size with additional gallery space to show the permanent collection, temporary exhibitions, a dedicated learning space as well as a bookshop and café. The Gallery’s collection includes the renowned Hugh Lane Bequest 1917 shared with the National Gallery, London which includes masterpieces by Manet, Monet, Degas, Renoir and Morisot among others. Harry Clarke the renowned 20th Century stained glass artist’s famous masterpiece The Eve of St Agnes is a stunning example of the technical skill and visual imagination of this extraordinarily talented stained glass artist. The Sean Scully gallery is one of the most beautiful rooms dedicated to the work of a contemporary artist in Europe. Francis Bacon’s legendary studio was relocated from 7 Reece Mews, London to Dublin in 1998 and now is permanently on display. Together with fascinating unfinished works by Francis Bacon, display cases presenting items from the studio, an audio visual room and touch screen terminals it allows the visitor to delve further into the life and art of one of the most important figurative artists of the 20th Century.

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