VISITOR ATTRACTION: current circumstances at Dublin’s Hugh Lane Gallery (closed until 2028)

The Hugh Lane Gallery, located at Charlemont House on Parnell Square North, Dublin 1, is a renowned cultural institution housing one of Ireland’s premier collections of modern and contemporary art. It has closed for a three eyar period for renovations.

Established in 1908 by Hugh Lane as the world’s first public gallery of modern art, it is set in a neoclassical mansion designed by William Chambers in 1763. Easily accessible from Dublin’s city center (6-minute walk from O’Connell Street, Luas Green Line Parnell stop, or Dublin Bus routes), the gallery offered free admission and is open Tuesday–Thursday (10:00 AM–6:00 PM), Friday–Saturday (10:00 AM–5:00 PM), and Sunday (11:00 AM–5:00 PM), closed Mondays. Its vibrant programming and historic setting make it a must-visit for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and families.

Permanent Collection: The gallery hosted nearly 2,000 artworks, featuring Impressionist masterpieces like Йdouard Manet’s Portrait of Eva Gonzalиs, Claude Monet’s Lavacourt under Snow, Auguste Renoir’s The Umbrellas, and Berthe Morisot’s Jour d’Йtй, part of the Lane Bequest shared with London’s National Gallery. The Irish collection includes portraits of figures like W.B. Yeats (who wrote five poems about the gallery), Michael Collins, and Eamon de Valera, alongside works by Jack B. Yeats, Norah McGuinness, and Louis le Brocquy.
The Sean Scully Room showcased eight donated paintings by the Dublin-born artist, one of Europe’s finest contemporary collections. The Harry Clarke Stained Glass Room, featured The Eve of Saint Agnes, is a highlight for its vibrant, intricate designs. The Francis Bacon Studio, meticulously relocated from London in 1998, offered a unique glimpse into the artist’s chaotic creative process, complete with 7,000 archived items like paint cans and sketches.
Temporary Exhibitions: Rotating exhibitions highlight contemporary Irish and international artists, such as Dorothy Cross, Lawrence Abu Hamdan, and the late Helen Comerford’s Child’s Play (2024). These displays, often in collaboration with institutions like Poetry Ireland, keep the gallery dynamic, with past shows like Andy Warhol: Three Times Out (2023) drawing global attention.
Architecture and Ambiance: Housed in the elegant Charlemont House, the gallery retains Georgian features like high ceilings and ornate plasterwork, complementing the airy, well-lit galleries. The Sculpture Hall and a “secret garden” courtyard add charm. Visitors describe the space as a “creative oasis,” ideal for a 1–2-hour visit, though some note ongoing renovations (circa 2024) may limit access to certain rooms.
Facilities: The Fáilte le Grá Café (10:00 AM–4:00 PM) serves daily-changing lunches, coffee, and pastries (€8–12), praised for its “arty welcome” but criticized for high prices. The Gallery Books bookshop, operated by a third party, sells art books, posters, and exhibition catalogues, with online shopping available. The gallery is fully wheelchair-accessible with lifts, accessible toilets, and two designated disability parking spaces outside. A social story guide supports visitors with developmental disabilities, and school groups can use storage lockers.
Visitor Feedback: With a TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice award and recognition as a “hidden gem” by Bókun, the gallery earns praise for its free entry, eclectic collection, and welcoming staff. The Francis Bacon Studio and Harry Clarke windows are standout features, though some visitors find the smaller size (compared to larger museums) or partial renovations limiting. The gallery suits a broad audience, from locals to international art enthusiasts, with David Bowie reportedly among its admirers.

What’s New::

New Acquisition – Vuillard Family: In 2024, the gallery acquired Vuillard Family by Édouard Vuillard, a rare painting featuring the artist’s self-portrait with his mother and sister. This work, now on display, enhances the Impressionist collection and is a highlight for 2025 visitors, complementing existing works by Manet and Morisot.
Continued Partnership with National Gallery, London: The 2021 agreement on the Lane Bequest ensures 10 paintings rotate between Dublin and London every five years, with 31 of 39 staying in Dublin. In 2025, expect updated displays of these works, labeled as “Hugh Lane Bequest, 1917, The National Gallery, London. In partnership with the Hugh Lane Gallery, Dublin,” reflecting the collegial spirit. This may include refreshed presentations of Renoir’s The Umbrellas or Pissarro’s View of Louveciennes.
The gallery’s central location makes it ideal for combining with nearby attractions like the Dublin Writers Museum, James Joyce Centre, or Temple Bar (15-minute walk). The Hugh Lane’s commitment to free access and innovative programming ensures a vibrant experience, though its smaller size requires focused exploration. For updates, contact info@hughlane.ie or visit www.hughlane.ie.