FAQs regarding the refurbishment of Hugh Lane Gallery alongside the construction of a new city library for Dublin.
What is happening with Hugh Lane Gallery?
Hugh Lane Gallery is temporarily closing for refurbishment alongside the construction of a new city library for Dublin. The refurbishment will include a direct link between the gallery and the library, creating a unique cultural experience across art and literature. Together those initiatives are part of a major investment in Parnell Square North which will reshape the square into a significant cultural quarter, and enrich the experience of Dublin’s citizens and visitors to the city.
What date is Hugh Lane Gallery closing and what’s on show until then?
Hugh Lane Gallery will close for the planned refurbishment on Sunday, September 28th 2025. On view until then is the permanent collection, including Francis Bacon’s Studio and paintings; the Stained Glass Room; exhibitions Ailbhe Ní Bhriain: The Dream Pool Intervals and Boghanna Báistí Beaga; as well as our recent acquisition Primate by Daphne Wright.
What refurbishment works are taking place?
The refurbishment works will upgrade the original 1930s wing to 21st century museum standards of security and environmental controls. This will ensure the preservation of the collection for future generations and will enhance the gallery’s ability to secure significant international loans of art works for major temporary exhibitions.
How long will Hugh Lane Gallery be closed for?
We anticipate that Hugh Lane Gallery will be closed for at least 3 years.
Will all staff continue in their roles?
There are currently 40 permanent staff employed by the Hugh Lane Gallery. All will retain their posts. A certain number of employees will remain operating core aspects of gallery functions including managing the care and conservation of the collection in offsite locations, monitoring environmental controls and daily 24hr security, organising offsite education and community projects and working on future collaborations and exhibitions.
The remaining staff will be redeployed temporarily within the wider Dublin City Council organisation.
What will happen to all the artworks while the refurbishment is ongoing?
A number of important works will be on loan to the National Gallery of Ireland. The Hugh Lane Gallery already has works on loan to the Office of Public Works in Dublin Castle, Farmleigh House and Kilmainham Gaol Museum. The remaining collection will be stored safely in museum standard offsite facilities.
Will all the artworks remain in Ireland?
Yes, apart from the shared paintings from the Sir Hugh Lane Bequest in the National Gallery London. This partnership was signed in 2021 between The National Gallery, London and Hugh Lane Gallery regarding the 39 paintings in the Sir Hugh Lane Bequest, allowing the public in both the UK and Ireland to enjoy these works on a regular basis.
What will happen to Francis Bacon’s studio?
The studio will be fully protected throughout the temporary closure period and will remain onsite.
What happens to Hugh Lane Gallery’s Education and Outreach programmes?
Plans are ongoing to facilitate a number of Education and Outreach programmes in venues and locations citywide.
How much will the refurbishment cost?
The cost of the project will be determined when tender submissions have been reviewed and the contract awarded. It’s expected the tender will be issued in the coming months.
Where can I get more information about Hugh Lane Gallery?
For regular updates throughout the closure period, sign up to the gallery’s newsletter (scroll to the bottom of our homepage to do this) or follow our social media channels (Instagram, Facebook).
Where can I get more information about the new cultural quarter?
For more information and updates, visit Dublin City Council’s new city library project webpage here.
What will happen to the bookshop?
The bookshop will continue to trade online via the website hlgallerybooks.com.
For further information see contact details below:
Charlemont House
Parnell Square North
Dublin 1
D01 F2X9
Ireland
