Hugh Lane Gallery occupies Charlemont House on Parnell Square North, Dublin 1. Founded in 1908, it was the first known public gallery devoted to modern art. Inside, the collection ranges from French Impressionist paintings by Monet, Manet and Renoir to modern and contemporary Irish art. Two standout stops are Harry Clarke’s stained glass and Francis Bacon’s London studio, carefully taken apart and reassembled here. Admission is free, and there is a café and gift shop. The Garden of Remembrance is just across the square.
A public gallery opened in 1908
Sir Hugh Lane founded the gallery in 1908. It was the first known public gallery dedicated to modern art. The collection has grown to include modern and contemporary Irish and international works, with a strong focus on Irish artists.
The gallery is housed in Charlemont House, a Georgian mansion on Parnell Square North. The building was constructed in 1763 for the 1st Earl of Charlemont and is associated with the architect William Chambers. Its classical exterior and spacious rooms are part of the visit.
Impressionists and Irish artists
French works are a particular strength of the collection. Look for paintings by Édouard Manet, Auguste Renoir, Claude Monet, Edgar Degas and Camille Pissarro. Renoir’s Les Parapluies and Manet’s Portrait of Eva Gonzalès are among the named highlights.
Irish artists appear throughout the collection, from historical and 20th-century painters to contemporary figures such as Dorothy Cross and Sean Scully. Permanent displays sit alongside temporary exhibitions, which change over time.
Francis Bacon’s London studio
Francis Bacon was born in Dublin and worked in London for much of his life. After his death in 1992, his studio was moved from London and reconstructed at the gallery. The space contains the objects and fittings from his working environment, including canvases, easels, doors and walls.
You view the studio from outside rather than entering it. Its crowded arrangement gives a close look at the surroundings in which Bacon worked, preserved as a distinct part of the gallery visit.
Harry Clarke’s stained glass
The stained-glass collection has its own dedicated gallery. It includes work by Irish artist Harry Clarke, notably The Eve of St. Agnes, as well as pieces by other 20th-century glass artists. Give this room time alongside the paintings; it is one of the gallery’s key displays.
Planning a visit
Admission is free, and the gallery has permanent displays as well as changing exhibitions. A café and gift shop are on site. The café has indoor and outdoor seating, though the indoor space can be noisy.
The gallery stands across Parnell Square from the Garden of Remembrance, making it easy to combine an art visit with time at the nearby memorial garden. Check the gallery’s current information before setting out, especially if you are planning around a particular exhibition or event.
Perguntas frequentes
Is Hugh Lane Gallery free to visit?
Yes. Admission is free.
What are the main highlights at Hugh Lane Gallery?
Highlights include French Impressionist paintings, modern and contemporary Irish art, Harry Clarke stained glass and Francis Bacon’s reconstructed studio.
Can you enter Francis Bacon’s studio?
No. The studio is displayed for visitors to view from outside.
How long should I spend at Hugh Lane Gallery?
Allow about 1 to 2 hours to see the collection and the main displays.
