Believed to be the oldest Museum of Modern Art in the world, Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane (originally known as the Municipal Gallery of Modern Art) houses the foremost collection of modern and contemporary art in Ireland. The original collection, donated by the Gallery’s founder Sir Hugh Lane, has now grown to include almost 2000 artworks, ranging from the Impressionist masterpieces of Manet, Monet, Renoir and Degas, to works by leading national and international contemporary artists. The Gallery also has a dynamic temporary exhibitions programme which encourages contemporary dialogue, often encompassing the permanent collection, as well as exploring new expressions in multimedia. The Gallery also stages historical and retrospective exhibitions, particularly of Irish art.

The Hugh Lane’s pivotal role in Ireland’s cultural life has recently gained world wide recognition with the acquisition of the entire contents of Francis Bacon’s Reece Mews Studio, from Bacon’s sole heir John Edwards. The reconstructed studio, which opened to the public on 23 May 2001, provides invaluable insight into the artist’s life, inspirations, unusual techniques and working methods. Never before has an artist’s studio been so thoroughly catalogued and reconstructed to mirror its original state.

As well as a diverse and stimulating exhibitions programme, the Gallery’s wide range of activities both within and outside the Gallery continues. A lively education and outreach programme has forged strong links with local school and community groups with activities ranging from Kids Club workshops, adult education courses and the ever-popular Sunday lecture series.

Following on the ethos of Hugh Lane, the Gallery aims to nurture appreciation, participation and understanding of visual art practice.

Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane focuses on temporary exhibitions of 20th century and contemporary art practices. The gallery presents approximately five exhibitions each year.

Most outstanding projects in recent years:

Francis Bacon “A Terrible Beauty” 2009.

“Hugh Lane The founder of a Gallery of Modern Art for Ireland” 2008.

Julian Opie “Walking on O’Connell Street” 2008.

Tacita Dean, 2007.

Yinka Shonibare “Egg Fight” 2009.

In addition to temporary exhibitions and acquisitions, Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane’s has a strong public program that encompasses city-wide education projects, seminars, public lecture series and publications.

The Gallery provides education programmes for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Programme strands include; tours, lectures, adult courses, workshops, childrenÕs workshops, summer camps, schools programmes, and community and outreach projects.

Francis Bacon Fellowship; links with third level institutions e.g. NCAD, TCD, UCD; lectures; published essays and research.

Each year the gallery presents approximately 50+ public tours, 40+ lectures, 15+ adult courses, workshops for adults, 50+ childrenÕs workshops, 400+ schools programmes, 3 community and outreach programmes (minimum).

The gallery publishes two to three publications each year.

Surface area/capacity: 24 gallery spaces, 1 lecture room.