The gallery was founded primarily due to the success of the 1853 Dublin Exhibition, which demonstrated public interest in art.
Caravaggio's 'The Taking of Christ' was identified in a Dublin Jesuit residence in 1990, having been misattributed for decades.
The gallery contains the most comprehensive collection of Jack B. Yeats' work globally.
The Millennium Wing was designed by Benson & Forsyth and opened in 2002 to modernize the facility.
The gallery holds a significant collection of portrait miniatures, reflecting 18th and 19th-century Irish social history.
The library and archives are accessible to researchers by appointment, containing primary source material on Irish art history.
The gallery underwent a major multi-year restoration project completed in 2017 to improve climate control and infrastructure.
The gallery is legally required to hold an annual meeting for its Board of Governors.
The National Gallery of Ireland houses the national collection of Irish and European art, ranging from the 14th century to the present day. Founded by an Act of Parliament in 1854, the gallery opened to the public in 1864. The Dargan Wing, Milltown Wing, and Millennium Wing compose the current structure, blending Victorian architecture with modern glass design. The collection features over 16,000 works, including significant holdings by Jack B. Yeats and Caravaggio. Caravaggio's 'The Taking of Christ' is a central highlight, rediscovered in a Jesuit house in Dublin in 1990. The gallery also maintains an extensive archive of Irish artists' documents and records. The collection includes notable works by Vermeer, Rembrandt, Goya, and Monet. The institution functions as both a research center and a public gallery with revolving exhibitions.
The central light-filled atrium of the Millennium Wing, featuring its distinctive geometric staircase.
Use the Merrion Square entrance for historical architectural context, or the Millennium Wing entrance for modern accessibility.
Check the gallery website's 'What's On' section for unlisted temporary exhibitions before arriving.
The gallery provides free daily public tours, which are the most efficient way to navigate the extensive collection.
Do not attempt to bring large backpacks or umbrellas into the galleries; use the complimentary lockers provided.
Open daily with late opening hours on Thursdays; closed on December 24, 25, and 26.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use without flash, but specific exhibitions may prohibit it; maintain a low voice.
