Art Museums in Ireland

Ireland witnessed its own small renaissance in the 17th century, with a resurgence of homegrown artists and this spirit is preserved in several museums that are dedicated to both local and international works. From modern art to Dutch masters, Ireland's museums, centered in Dublin, are dedicated to preserving great works of art, particularly those by native artists, and to educating the public.

National Gallery of Ireland

The home of Ireland's national art collection, this museum houses an impressive collection, featuring not only a substantial collection of Irish art, dating from the 17th century to the present, but also significant Italian, Dutch and French works as well. Significant pieces in the collection include renaissance altarpieces by Fra Angelico, a recently rediscovered Caravaggio, and paintings by Titian, Poussin, Vermeer and Ireland's own Jack B. Yeats. In addition to art, the museum also offers classes in various art forms, including drawing and painting, poetry readings, and art history classes. Admission to the museum is free, but donations are appreciated. Public tours and audio tours are free, and guided tours are available for an extra charge. The museum is open year-round. The museum is closed on Good Friday and from December 24 to 26. As of February 2010, the museum is open from 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sundays and from 9:30 a.m to 5:30 p.m. all other days, except for Thursdays, when the museum stays open until 8:30 p.m. National Gallery of Ireland Merrion Square West Dublin 2 Ireland 011 (+353) (0) 1 661 5133 nationalgallery.ie

Irish Museum of Modern Art

The Irish Museum of Modern Art is Ireland's leading gallery for modern and contemporary art. It was founded by the Irish government in 1990 as the first such national institution. It is housed in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, which was founded in 1684 and the building's design is inspired by a similar institution in France. The museum's particular focus is on the works of artists who are still alive, and the collection comprises more than 4,000 paintings, most of which were created since the 1940s. Many of these paintings are displayed in a rotating series of exhibitions that focus on particular artists or themes. The museum also maintains a collection of more than 2,000 prints by Old Masters, including Goya and Rembrandt. Admission to the museum is free, except for special exhibitions. The museum is closed for Mondays, Good Friday and from December 24 to December 26. As of February 2010, on Sundays and bank holidays the museum is only open from noon to 5:30 p.m. Every other day the museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except for Wednesday, when the museum opens at 10:30 a.m. Irish Museum of Modern Art Royal Hospital Military Road Kilmainham Dublin 8 Ireland 011 (+353) (0) 1 612 9900 imma.ie/en/index.htm

The Hugh Lane Dublin City Gallery

The works on display at this museum focus on Irish and international modern artists, including Agnes Martin, Dorothy Cross and Paul Seawright. The museum also features a collection of stained glass work, notably The Eve of St. Agnes by Irish artist Harry Clarke. The museum's other claim to fame is as the repository of the entire contents of the studio of painter Francis Bacon. John Edwards, Bacon's sole heir, bequeathed the studio to the Hugh Lane, and it was carefully cataloged under the supervision of archaeologists. Many of the artists belongings, materials and works that were recovered from the studio are on display, in addition to visiting exhibitions and the permanent collection. As of February 2010, the museum is closed on Mondays. It is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Tuesday to Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The gallery is closed for Christmas from December 24 to December 28. Admission is free. The Hugh Lane Charlemont House Parnell Square North Dublin 1 Ireland 011 (+353) (0) 1 222 5550 hughlane.ie