A tour of the best art galleries in Dublin
As we know, Dublin is a city famed for its history and culture, but what you might accidentally overlook is Dublin’s rich art heritage. Dotted across the city are prestigious galleries showcasing some of the finest Irish masterpieces throughout the ages from modern to classic and there’s something to suit every taste. Let’s look at some of Dublin’s best art galleries to give you some inspiration; Dublin City Gallery Dublin City Gallery, aka the Hugh Lane Gallery, is Ireland’s oldest gallery of modern and contemporary art. With this to its name it’s not surprising that it’s one of the most impressive and acclaimed galleries for any art aficionado, as it is full of 2,000 artworks by Monet, Renoir and Degas to name a few, not to mention the unique Francis Bacon Studio documenting his entire body of works including photos, slash canvases and books. The Francis Bacon Studio is not to be missed and is the gallery’s most noteworthy collection. Visitors can enter free with the Dublin Pass and enjoy the current exhibition Phoenix Rising: Art and Civic Imagination. Irish Museum of Modern Art The Irish Museum of Modern Art is another one of Ireland’s leading art institutions for modern and contemporary art. Showcasing a range of exhibitions from Irish and International artists, the collections include the Madden Arnolz Collection of printed images by esteemed European artists including Rembrandt, Hogarth and Goya; the Duncan Campbell Exhibition showcasing works in several media by the Turner Prize nominee; and the Primal Architecture exhibition by Mike Kelley whose collection looks at geneological representation through sculptural forms. What’s more, the museum is housed in the stunning 17th century old Royal Hospital of Kilmainham, so you’re invited to stroll around the grounds too. Don’t forget to stop in at the café and gift shop either! National Gallery of Ireland The National Gallery of Ireland champions art by Irish artists and masters of the European School of Painting including Vermeer, Caravaggio and Rembrandt. The Irish Collection features works created between the 17th and 20th centuries and is a fascinating representation of Irish art history. The Lines of Vision exhibition celebrates 150th anniversary of the National Gallery and brings in Ireland’s strong literary heritage as it features 56 contemporary Irish writers who have contributed poems, stories and essays. These are paired with their artistic influence so that we can see the direct effect of inspiration. The new exhibition Passion & Persuasion, on the other hand, represents the baroque seventeenth century counter-reformist saints and their roles in the Catholic and Protestant religions. [gallery ids="90,91,93,92,94,95"]