Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane, Parnell Square North. Image © Dublin City Council
Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane is a vibrant cultural presence on Parnell Square. It is situated in the centre of the north of the Square in Charlemont House, designed by William Chambers in 1765 as the centrepiece of the Square. The Gallery first opened to the public in January 1908 with a superb collection of modern art presented by Hugh Lane and his supporters.
The Gallery is acknowledged as one of the most significant city galleries in Europe. Through its diversity of programmes it is a major contributor to the cultural life of Dublin and to the city’s reputation as a leading European cultural capital city. It has programmed national and internationally renowned exhibitions, and built up the collection with significant acquisitions by purchase, donation and bequest.
Key highlights and specialisms of Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane include:
- Sir Hugh Lane’s Pictures (bequest of 1917)
- Impressionist paintings
- Comprehensive collection of 20th Century Irish Art
- Francis Bacon’s Studio (reconstructed), paintings and archive
- Sean Scully collection
- Renowned national and international contemporary practice
- Culturally diverse exhibition programmes presenting the familiar, the new and that which is curious and different to all of Dublin audiences
- A tradition of participation and learning through lectures, workshops, port folio courses, kids club, drawing classes
- Acclaimed publications on the arts for adults and children
- A tradition of community participation and learning
The Gallery, over the years, has developed rich and collaborative relationships with local communities through participation in workshops and art classes, special projects, lecture series and exhibitions. The Gallery has nurtured an appreciation and understanding of the visual arts within the wider communities through guided tours of the collections, public lectures series, film screenings, artists’ talks and weekly coffee conversations. Younger audiences are welcomed through our kids club with specially themed workshops, sketching tours, explorer backpack and drawing station.
Our ethos is to ensure accessibility and enjoyment for all. Find out more at www.hughlane.ie