Hugh Lane Gallery

Overview

Nestled in the elegant brick façade of Charlemont House, the Hugh Lane Gallery is Dublin’s premier destination for modern and contemporary art. Founded in 1908 by Sir Hugh Lane, it holds the distinction of being the world’s first public gallery dedicated to modern art. Admission is free and the building is fully wheelchair‑accessible, making it an inclusive cultural oasis in the heart of the city. The gallery is currently closed for a three‑year refurbishment that began on 28 September 2025; however, its online collection, virtual tours and a programme of digital events remain available.

History

Sir Hugh Lane opened the Municipal Gallery of Modern Art on Harcourt Street on 20 January 1908, pioneering a public space for contemporary works. After Lane’s untimely death aboard the RMS Lusitania in 1915, his collection became the subject of a long‑running legal dispute between Dublin and London. A compromise reached in 1959 allowed the paintings to rotate between the two capitals, and a 1993 amendment secured 31 of the 39 works permanently in Dublin. Since 1933 the gallery has been housed in Charlemont House, a 1763 mansion designed by William Chambers for the 1st Earl of Charlemont. The building’s 1929 garden was built over to accommodate the gallery, and a 2006 extension by Gilroy McMahon Architects modernised the facilities. In 2001 the gallery achieved a world‑first by digitally cataloguing and reconstructing Francis Bacon’s London studio, a project that cemented its reputation for innovative conservation.

Collections & Highlights

• The Lane Bequest – A world‑renowned collection of Impressionist masterpieces by Manet, Monet, Degas, Pissarro, Morisot and others, forming the core of the gallery’s permanent holdings.
• Francis Bacon Studio – The artist’s London studio was dismantled in 1998 and painstakingly re‑assembled in Charlemont House. It remains on‑site, fully protected during the refurbishment, and can be explored online via the gallery’s virtual tour.
• Harry Clarke Stained‑Glass Room – Featuring Clarke’s masterpiece The Eve of Saint Agnes, this room showcases the dazzling colour and intricate detail of Ireland’s most celebrated stained‑glass artist.
• Sean Scully Room – Dedicated to the contemporary abstract painter Sean Scully, this space is currently closed for refurbishment but will reopen with upgraded climate control and lighting.
• Contemporary Irish Art – Rotating displays highlight emerging Irish artists, with recent shows including works by Ailbhe Ni Briain and Brian Murray.

Recent & Upcoming Exhibitions

• More Power to You: Sarah Purser – A Force for Irish Art (Dec 2024 – Jan 2025) – A monograph exhibition celebrating the painter, collector and founder of the An Túr Gloine stained‑glass collective.
• Brian Maguire: La Grande Illusion (Jan 2025) – Featuring politically charged paintings and installations; the opening was attended by folk legend Joan Baez.
• Lawrence Abu Hamdan – Walled Unwalled (Oct 2024) – An audio‑investigation into memory and law, presented alongside a series of artist‑film screenings.
• Artist Film Screenings with Light House Cinema (Feb 2026) – Quarterly film programme curated by Alice Butler, showcasing experimental cinema by visual artists.
• Upcoming: Sean Scully Retrospective – Planned for 2027 after the refurbishment, promising a major international loan.

Refurbishment & Future Plans

The gallery closed on 28 September 2025 for a three‑year refurbishment that runs alongside the construction of a new Dublin City Library on Parnell Square. Key upgrades include:

• Complete renovation of the 1930s wing to meet 21st‑century museum standards for security, environmental control and accessibility.
• Installation of a direct, climate‑controlled link between the gallery and the new library, creating a combined art‑and‑literature visitor experience.
• Roof replacement, new lighting, upgraded mechanical and electrical services, and a fall‑arrest system for safe roof access.
• Preservation of the Francis Bacon Studio on‑site throughout the works, with enhanced protective measures.

During the closure, the Hugh Lane Trust continues to offer:

• Online collection – High‑resolution images and detailed catalogue entries.
• Virtual tours – 360° walkthroughs of the galleries and the Bacon studio.
• Live‑streamed talks, podcasts and art‑ideas videos – Accessible via the Watch, Read & Listen portal.
• Off‑site education programmes – Workshops and community projects delivered in schools and cultural centres across Dublin.

Facilities

• Café & Bookshop – A quiet café offers coffee, pastries and light meals, while the on‑site shop stocks exhibition catalogues, Irish design gifts and art‑related books.
• Audio‑Visual Room – Part of the Francis Bacon Studio, this space presents archival footage, interviews and interactive touch‑screen displays that explore the artist’s process.
• Touch‑Screen Guides – Throughout the galleries, visitors can access detailed information about individual works via multilingual touch‑screens.
• Photography – Non‑flash photography is permitted in most galleries; flash is prohibited to protect the artworks.
• Guided Tours – Regular docent‑led tours (pre‑refurbishment) can be booked online; during the closure the gallery offers virtual tours and recorded talks.

Events & Programs

• Sundays @ Noon Concert Series – Free classical and contemporary concerts held in the Sculpture Gallery each Sunday from September to June.
• Workshops & Family Activities – Hands‑on art workshops for children and families are run throughout the year, often in partnership with local schools.
• Lectures & Talks – Weekly talks by artists, curators and scholars are streamed live and archived on the website.
• Education & Outreach – School‑group tours, teacher resources and community art projects continue via the gallery’s online platform while the building is closed.

Practical Information

Opening hours (pre‑refurbishment)

The gallery is currently closed for refurbishment (expected to reopen in 2028). The permanent collection is stored in museum‑standard facilities and selected works are on loan to other Irish institutions.

Admission: Free of charge.

Website: hughlane.ie

Contact: Phone +353 1 222 5550 • Email info.hughlane@dublincity.ie

Accessibility: Fully wheelchair‑accessible with two designated disability parking spaces directly outside the entrance.

Getting there: Charlemont House sits on the north side of Parnell Square, a short walk from O’Connell Street, the Garden of Remembrance and Trinity College. Dublin’s bus network stops nearby (routes 46A, 123, 145). The Luas Red Line stop at Abbey Street is roughly a 10‑minute walk away.

Nearby attractions: After your visit, consider exploring the Garden of Remembrance across the square, the historic 14 Henrietta Street museum, or the bustling Temple Bar district for food and nightlife.