Hugh Lane Gallery After Hours
A series of Thursday evening events featuring art workshops, mindfulness, music, food, drinks, free exhibition tours and more!
So many cultural institutions, attractions, fun workshops and art classes are only available to us between 9-5pm – but what about the people in full-time education or work?
We want to give everyone a chance to visit the gallery and we have put together an exciting programme of events, exhibitions and workshops so nobody misses out.
Hugh Lane Gallery is thrilled to announce the continuation of ‘After Hours’, an exciting series of evening events in the gallery. From art workshops to live music, delicious food and drinks and expert exhibition tours, these evenings promise a vibrant cultural experience.
We are open until 8:30pm on Thursdays with Admission Free.
Every Thursday, as well as ticketed events, visitors can look forward to:
Free time to Explore (we’re open until 8.30pm however, last entry is 8.10pm):
Take it at your own pace and enjoy our creative oasis.
See below for additional weekly programming:
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Current Exhibitions
Brian Maguire: La Grande Illusion (Note: this exhibition will not be available to view between 7-8pm this evening 17th October)
Already receiving huge acclaim, this exhibition opened just last week. Brian Maguire is an Irish Artist and human rights advocate and the exhibition spans two decades of work that spotlights the artist’s repeated quest to draw attention to global injustices, war, and human rights.MORE POWER TO YOU: Sarah Purser – A Force for Irish Art
Celebrating Sarah Purser, an indomitable figure in Irish art in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The exhibition examines Purser’s multifaceted role as artist, activist and collector.Sacred trust: Donations and their Legacy
Celebrates our Legacy of Donations, featuring significant gifts from 1908 to 2024. Featuring works by Monet, Manet, Degas, Vuillard, Roderic O’Conor, Sean Scully, Richard Gorman, Lawrence Carroll and more!Ongoing Displays
Francis Bacon Studio & Gallery
Sean Scully Gallery
Harry Clarke Stained Glass -
Thursday 14th November
- Sip & Paint – Winter Edition | 18.00, €25, booking essential, click here Create your own unique winter landscape masterpiece based on one of the works from the Hugh Lane Gallery’s collection, Claud Monet’s Lavacourt under Snow. All materials provided. Includes 2 complementary beverages (alcohol or non-alcohol options available). Over 18s only.
- Flow & Form: A Mindful Life Drawing Drop-in session | 18.00 – 19.30, drop-in session, no booking necessary. Join artist Ashleigh Downey for a unique Mindful Life Drawing session in the beautiful Hugh Lane Gallery Sculpture Hall. Whether you’re a seasoned artist, a master of mindfulness practice or a curious beginner, these sessions offer a supportive environment to explore life drawing from a place of presence and connection. All materials are provided.
- After Hours Exhibition Tour – Brian Maguire: La Grande Illusion |18:30 – 19.30 | Free, Book here or show up on the day, subject to availability. Join our expert guide on a guided tour of the acclaimed exhibition Brian Maguire: La Grande Illusion.
- After Hours Exhibition Tour – MORE POWER TO YOU: Sarah Purser – A Force for Irish Art | 19.00 – 20.00 | Free, Book here or show up on the day, subject to availability. Join our expert guide on a guided tour of the exhibition MORE POWER TO YOU: Sarah Purser – A Force for Irish Art.
- Gallery Books: Open late with great deals on art books, gifts and more! Now also available online at hlgallerybooks.com
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Thursday 7th November
- Pet Portrait Workshop With Magnus Mudrack | From 18.00, booking essential: Renowned illustrator Magnus Mudrack returns for another hands-on creative experience at Hugh Lane Gallery where you’ll design bespoke postcards featuring your favourite doggo or cat. No prior experience needed. All materials provided. Pets are not allowed in the gallery. Admission: €25 includes one free drink (alcohol or non-alcohol options available), book online https://hughlane.ie/whats_on/pet-portrait-workshop-with-magnus-mudrack-7nov/
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Mindful Life Drawing with artist Ashleigh Downey | From 6pm – 7.30pm, no booking necessary. Come along to our stunning Sculpture Hall for a mindful life drawing session. All materials provided.
- Free Guided Exhibition Tours | From 6.30pm – 7pm, Free, booking recommended via links below
Join our expert guides for an insightful tour of the exhibitions Brian Maguire – La Grande Illusion at 6.30pm and MORE POWER TO YOU: Sarah Purser – A Force for Irish Art at 7pm.
6.30pm (Brian Maguire Exhibition): Book here
7pm (Sarah Purser Exhibition): Book here
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Thursday 31st October
Join us at Hugh Lane Gallery for a magical Samhain evening full of art, music, creativity, drinks and tradition.
Devilish Dueling Pianos | 6pm – 8pm | Free, no booking necessary
Patrick O’Laoghaire (AKA I Have A Tribe) returns to the Hugh Lane Gallery – following his sold out gig in the gallery, he will be playing Halloween classics and spine tingling tunes along with pianist Danny Forde in the hallowed Hugh Lane Gallery Sculpture Hall.Samhain Sketching in the Sculpture Hall | 6pm – 7.30pm | Free, no booking necessary
Get into the Samhain spirit with a spooky sketching session in our haunted ballroom*. Join artist Ashleigh Downey as she guides you through an atmospheric drawing experience, with live accompaniment from the Devilish Duelling Pianos.*better known as The Sculpture Hall
Season of the Witch: Smudge Stick Workshops | 6.30pm – 7.15pm and 7.15 – 8.00pm | €12 includes 1 beverage (alcohol or non-alcohol options available) Join Sarah (DANU herbalist) for a Smudge Stick workshop in honour of Samhain. In this workshop, you’ll learn to craft your own Irish smudge stick using local plants, discover their protective and healing properties, and explore the mystical traditions when the veil that separates the physical world and the spiritual world is at its thinnest.
6pm slot: Book here
7pm slot: Book here
Free Guided Exhibition Tours | 6.30pm and 7pm
Join our expert guides for an insightful tour of the exhibitions Brian Maguire – La Grande Illusion at 6.30pm and MORE POWER TO YOU: Sarah Purser – A Force for Irish Art at 7pm.6.30pm (Brian Maguire Exhibition): Book here
7pm (Sarah Purser Exhibition): Book here
Pop-up Wine bar | Until 8pm
Our gorgeous independent café downstairs will be serving up delicious wines, ciders and alcohol-free options so you can sip & sketch and take in the Halloween vibes.Bookshop Open | Open until 8.30pm
A scary good selection of art books, gallery merchandise, postcards, cards and more! -
Thursday 24th October
Hugh Lane Gallery will be open until 8.30pm on Thursday 24th October with a lovely line-up of mindful drawing, sleepy yoga, free exhibition tours, music and of course, the finest art.
Join artist Ashleigh Downey in our stunning Scully Gallery for a mindful life drawing session – drop on in – no booking is required, all materials provided.
Our expert guides are giving tours of the exhibitions Brian Maguire – La Grande Illusion at 6.30pm and MORE POWER TO YOU: Sarah Purser – A Force for Irish Art at 7pm.
SOLD OUT // Gentle Yoga Flow in our iconic Sculpture Hall with Lucia – suitable for all levels – just remember to bring a yoga mat and a bottle of water! Class is €12 and includes a cosy cup on herbal tea to help get you ready for sleep.
SOLD OUT // I Have A Tribe AKA Patrick O’Laoghaire plays the Hugh Lane Gallery Café – very limited tickets are selling fast
Or feel free to just pop in and explore our exhibitions and displays!
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Thursday 17th October
Please note: Brian Maguire: La Grande Illusion will not be accessible between 7pm – 8pm on Thursday 17th October.
Autumnal Wreath Making in the Café (Booking Essential) Book here
Sonas Sound Bath Experience in the Sculpture Hall (Booking Essential)
Book hereFree Guided Tour – Brian Maguire: La Grande Illusion (Booking recommended) Book here
Free Guided Tour – MORE POWER TO YOU: Sarah Purser – A Force for Irish Art (Booking recommended) Book here
Drop-in mindful drawing workshop, no booking necessary, 6pm – 7.30pm, Scully Gallery
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Thursday 10 Oct 2024
- Sip & Paint – Botanical Edition (From 6pm): Create your own unique botanical masterpiece based on one of the works from the current exhibition MORE POWER TO YOU – Sarah Purser: A Force for Irish Art. Listen to music and paint a canvas in the relaxing setting of Hugh Lane Gallery’s gorgeous independent café. Included in your ticket: 1 x Canvas, necessary materials, access to the Hugh Lane Gallery Sculpture Hall, 2 drinks (alcohol or non-alcohol options available)Fee: €25 and book online here.
- Expert Art Tour – Brian Maguire: La Grande Illusion (From 18:30): A visit to our newly opened Exhibition of the works of leading Irish artist and human rights advocate Brian Maguire, ‘La Grande Illusion’. Opening Thursday 3rd October 2024, the exhibition spans two decades of work that spotlights the artist’s repeated quest to draw attention to global injustices, war, and human rights. Free – book online here or meet at reception, subject to availability.
- Expert Art Tour – Sarah Purser (From 19:00): Explore the acclaimed exhibition MORE POWER TO YOU: Sarah Purser – A Force for Irish Art with a guided tour. Free – book online here or meet at reception, subject to availability.
- Free to Explore (Until 20.30): Hugh Lane Gallery will be open until 8.30pm on Thursdays in August – Take it at your own pace and enjoy our creative oasis. Now on display: MORE POWER TO YOU, Sacred Trust, Time & Time Again and High Expectations as well as Francis Bacon’s Studio, Harry Clarke in the Stained Glass Room and a the dedicated Sean Scully Room. Admission Free. No Booking Required.
- Gallery Books: open late with great deals on art books, gifts and more!
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Thursday 3rd October 2024
- Pet Portrait Workshop With Magnus Mudrack (From 18.00): Join renowned illustrator Magnus Mudrack for a hands-on creative experience at Hugh Lane Gallery where you’ll design bespoke postcards featuring your favourite doggo or cat. No prior experience needed. Admission: €25 includes one free drink (alcohol or non-alcohol options available), book online here.
- DJ Claire Beck in the front hall(Admission Free): One of the most loved and sought-after DJs in Ireland, Claire Beck is a must-see fixture of Ireland’s music festival and club scene. She is best known for award winning Claire Beck’s Saturday SoundSystem radio show on Today FM, and her joyful DJ sets where her signature style blends House, Disco and Queer anthems designed to keep the dancefloor full.
Each performance is designed to tell a story, serving you music that you forgot you loved, music you will love, with a sprinkling of spicy curveballs to keep you on your toes. - Expert Art Tour – Brian Maguire: La Grande Illusion (From 18:30): A visit to our newly opened Exhibition of the works of leading Irish artist and human rights advocate Brian Maguire, ‘La Grande Illusion’. Opening Thursday 3rd October 2024, the exhibition spans two decades of work that spotlights the artist’s repeated quest to draw attention to global injustices, war, and human rights. Free – book online here or meet at reception, subject to availability.
- Expert Art Tour – Sarah Purser (From 19:00): Explore the acclaimed exhibition MORE POWER TO YOU: Sarah Purser – A Force for Irish Art with a guided tour. Free – book online here or meet at reception, subject to availability.
- Free to Explore (Until 20.30): Hugh Lane Gallery will be open until 8.30pm on Thursdays in August – Take it at your own pace and enjoy our creative oasis. Now on display: MORE POWER TO YOU, Sacred Trust, Time & Time Again and High Expectations as well as Francis Bacon’s Studio, Harry Clarke in the Stained Glass Room and a the dedicated Sean Scully Room. Admission Free. No Booking Required.
- Gallery Books: open late with great deals on art books, gifts and more!
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Thursday 26th September 2024
- Collage Workshop with artist Sorcha O’Higgins (From 18.00): Join artist Sorcha O’Higgins in our café for a hands-on workshop in collage making. In today’s fast paced professional environment, collage workshops are an opportunity to slow down and get crafty. A couple of hours spent leafing through old magazines, tearing out images and arranging them in different ways is meditative and mindful, and many participants often come away with a new hobby! Enjoy a complementary drink (alcohol or non-alcohol) with the price of your ticket. All Materials supplied. Tickets €20 – book online here.
- Expert Art Tour – Hugh Lane Gallery Collection (From 18:00): Join one of our expert guides to take a tour of our Sacred Trust exhibition, a stunning exhibition which celebrates our Legacy of Donations, featuring significant gifts from 1908 to 2024, and featuring work from artists Paul McKinley, Michael Kane, Elizabeth Magill, Suzy Zamit, Melanie le Brocquy, Brian Maguire, Dermot Seymour, Richard Gorman, Sean Scully, Lawrence Carroll, Courbet, Corot, Sean Scully, Harpignes, Irish 19th century painter Charlotte Katherine McCausland, Mancini & Roderic O’Conor, Manet, Monet, Degas and Vuillard. Free – book online here or meet at reception, subject to availability.
- Expert Art Tour – Sarah Purser (From 18:30): Explore the acclaimed exhibition MORE POWER TO YOU: Sarah Purser – A Force for Irish Art with a guided tour. Free – book online here or meet at reception, subject to availability.
- Expert Art Tour – Francis Bacon’s Studio (From 19:00): A visit to Francis Bacon’s Studio at Hugh Lane Gallery gives you a unique opportunity to experience the working process of one of the twentieth century’s greatest artists. Join our expert guide on a tour of the studio & gallery. Free – book online here or meet at reception, subject to availability.
- Free to Explore (Until 20.30): Hugh Lane Gallery will be open until 8.30pm on Thursdays in August – Take it at your own pace and enjoy our creative oasis. Now on display: MORE POWER TO YOU, Sacred Trust, Time & Time Again and High Expectations as well as Francis Bacon’s Studio, Harry Clarke in the Stained Glass Room and a the dedicated Sean Scully Room. Admission Free. No Booking Required.
- Gallery Books: open late with great deals on art books, gifts and more!
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Thursday 19th September 2024
- Sound Bath in Sculpture Hall (From 18.00): Due to popular demand and overwhelmingly positive feedback, sound artist and sound therapy practitioner Chloe Mc Hugh of Sonas Sounds, returns to the Hugh Lane Gallery Sculpture Hall for a sound bath experience not to be missed. Participants are asked to please bring along your own yoga mat and water. Suitable for +18 years only. Price includes a comforting cup of iced tea.
Tickets €20 – book online here. - Expert Art Tour – Hugh Lane Gallery Collection (From 18:00): Join one of our expert guides to take a tour of our Sacred Trust exhibition, a stunning exhibition which celebrates our Legacy of Donations, featuring significant gifts from 1908 to 2024, and featuring work from artists Paul McKinley, Michael Kane, Elizabeth Magill, Suzy Zamit, Melanie le Brocquy, Brian Maguire, Dermot Seymour, Richard Gorman, Sean Scully, Lawrence Carroll, Courbet, Corot, Sean Scully, Harpignes, Irish 19th century painter Charlotte Katherine McCausland, Mancini & Roderic O’Conor, Manet, Monet, Degas and Vuillard. Free – book online here or meet at reception, subject to availability.
- Expert Art Tour – Sarah Purser (From 18:30): Explore the acclaimed exhibition MORE POWER TO YOU: Sarah Purser – A Force for Irish Art with a guided tour. Free – book online here or meet at reception, subject to availability.
- Live music by Singer – Songwriter Graham Sweeney (from 18.45): An intimate live music session in our café downstairs with acclaimed singer songwriter Graham Sweeney. His distinctive sound arises from a blend of traditional guitar playing, percussive finger-tapping and rhythmic vocal melodies. Booking essential via Eventbrite here. Tickets €15 for single entry & €29 for 2 (includes one free drink).
- Expert Art Tour – Francis Bacon’s Studio (From 19:00): A visit to Francis Bacon’s Studio at Hugh Lane Gallery gives you a unique opportunity to experience the working process of one of the twentieth century’s greatest artists. Join our expert guide on a tour of the studio & gallery. Free – book online here or meet at reception, subject to availability.
- Free to Explore (Until 20.30): Hugh Lane Gallery will be open until 8.30pm on Thursdays in August – Take it at your own pace and enjoy our creative oasis. Now on display: MORE POWER TO YOU, Sacred Trust, Time & Time Again and High Expectations as well as Francis Bacon’s Studio, Harry Clarke in the Stained Glass Room and a the dedicated Sean Scully Room. Admission Free. No Booking Required.
- Gallery Books: open late with great deals on art books, gifts and more!
- Sound Bath in Sculpture Hall (From 18.00): Due to popular demand and overwhelmingly positive feedback, sound artist and sound therapy practitioner Chloe Mc Hugh of Sonas Sounds, returns to the Hugh Lane Gallery Sculpture Hall for a sound bath experience not to be missed. Participants are asked to please bring along your own yoga mat and water. Suitable for +18 years only. Price includes a comforting cup of iced tea.
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Thursday 12th September 2024
- Sip & Paint : Still Life Edition (From 18.30): Create your own unique still life artwork, inspired by beautiful floral bouquets. Listen to music and paint a canvas in the iconic Hugh Lane Gallery Sculpture Hall.All art materials are provided and you will make your own custom painting guided by professional artist Eimear Murphy. There will also be fun basic art exercises to get everyone in the creative mindset! No experience necessary. Tickets €25 – book online here.
- Expert Art Tour – Sarah Purser (From 18:30): Explore the acclaimed exhibition MORE POWER TO YOU: Sarah Purser – A Force for Irish Art with a guided tour. Free – book online here or meet at reception, subject to availability.
- Expert Art Tour – Francis Bacon’s Studio (From 19:00): A visit to Francis Bacon’s Studio at Hugh Lane Gallery gives you a unique opportunity to experience the working process of one of the twentieth century’s greatest artists. Join our expert guide on a tour of the studio & gallery. Free – book online here or meet at reception, subject to availability.
- Free to Explore (Until 20.30): Hugh Lane Gallery will be open until 8.30pm on Thursdays in August – Take it at your own pace and enjoy our creative oasis. Now on display: MORE POWER TO YOU, Sacred Trust, Time & Time Again and High Expectations as well as Francis Bacon’s Studio, Harry Clarke in the Stained Glass Room and a the dedicated Sean Scully Room. Admission Free. No Booking Required.
- Gallery Books: open late with great deals on art books, gifts and more!
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Thursday 5th September 2024
- Flow & Form: A Mindful Life Drawing Workshop (From 18.15) Join us for a unique Life Drawing and Mindfulness class, facilitated by artist Ashleigh Downey, who specialises in blending creativity with mindful practices. Whether you’re a seasoned artist, a master of mindfulness practice or a curious beginner, this class offers a supportive environment to explore life drawing from a place of presence and connection. All materials are provided. Tickets €15 – book online here.
- Expert Art Tour – Sarah Purser (From 18:30): Explore the acclaimed exhibition MORE POWER TO YOU: Sarah Purser – A Force for Irish Art with a guided tour. Free – book online here or meet at reception, subject to availability.
- Expert Art Tour – Francis Bacon’s Studio (From 19:00): A visit to Francis Bacon’s Studio at Hugh Lane Gallery gives you a unique opportunity to experience the working process of one of the twentieth century’s greatest artists. Join our expert guide on a tour of the studio & gallery. Free – book online here or meet at reception, subject to availability.
- Free to Explore (Until 20.30): Hugh Lane Gallery will be open until 8.30pm on Thursdays in August – Take it at your own pace and enjoy our creative oasis. Now on display: MORE POWER TO YOU, Sacred Trust, Time & Time Again and High Expectations as well as Francis Bacon’s Studio, Harry Clarke in the Stained Glass Room and a the dedicated Sean Scully Room. Admission Free. No Booking Required.
- Gallery Books: open late with great deals on art books, gifts and more!
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Thursday 29th August 2024
- Free to Explore (Until 20.30): Hugh Lane Gallery will be open until 8.30pm on Thursdays in August – Take it at your own pace and enjoy our creative oasis. Now on display: MORE POWER TO YOU, Sacred Trust, Time & Time Again and High Expectations as well as Francis Bacon’s Studio, Harry Clarke in the Stained Glass Room and a the dedicated Sean Scully Room. Admission Free. No Booking Required.
- Fáilte le Grá Café will not be open late on 29th August due to Molly O’Mahony gig
- Booked out – Mindful Meander & Sound Bath (18:00 – 19:45): A unique session combining mindfulness, slow looking, and sound meditation. 18+ only. Please bring a yoga mat with you for the meditation. Tickets €25 available on Eventbrite here.
- Booked out – Molly O’Mahony (18:45 – 20:00): An intimate acoustic session with the acclaimed singer-songwriter in our café. Tickets €10 available via Eventbrite here.
- Booked out – Expert Art Tour (18:30 – 19:30): Explore the acclaimed exhibition MORE POWER TO YOU: Sarah Purser – A Force for Irish Art with a guided tour. Free – Tickets via Eventbrite here or meet at reception, subject to availability.
- Gallery Books: open late with great deals on art books, gifts and more!
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Thursday 22nd August 2024
- Art Quiz (18:00 – 19:30):Join us for a high energy quiz night with multiple rounds and prizes in the amazing setting of the Hugh Lane Gallery.No experience is needed and you can come alone or with friends.Rounds will cover everything from guess the artist, history, a drawing round, a Hugh Lane Gallery round – with lots of interactive fun!
- Themed Rounds (interactive)
- Music
- Teams (Meet new people)
- Prizes
Ticket includes 1x complimentary drink (alcohol or non-alcohol)
Single entry: €8
Team of 4: €20If you purchase a single ticket, we can group you with a team!
18+ only; team tickets available.
- The Tiny Quartet (18:00 – 20:30): Enjoy contemporary classics on violin, guitar, and double bass in our front hall. No booking necessary.
- Expert Art Tour (18:30 – 19:30): Explore the acclaimed exhibition MORE POWER TO YOU: Sarah Purser – A Force for Irish Art with a guided tour. Free – Tickets via Eventbrite here or meet at reception, subject to availability.
- Free to Explore (Until 20.30): Hugh Lane Gallery will be open until 8.30pm on Thursdays in August – Take it at your own pace and enjoy our creative oasis. Now on display: MORE POWER TO YOU, Sacred Trust, Time & Time Again and High Expectations as well as Francis Bacon’s Studio, Harry Clarke in the Stained Glass Room and a the dedicated Sean Scully Room. Admission Free. No Booking Required.
- Fáilte le Grá Café: the gorgeous independent café will be open late, serving up delicious treats & drinks downstairs.
- Gallery Books: open late with great deals on art books, gifts and more!
- Art Quiz (18:00 – 19:30):Join us for a high energy quiz night with multiple rounds and prizes in the amazing setting of the Hugh Lane Gallery.No experience is needed and you can come alone or with friends.Rounds will cover everything from guess the artist, history, a drawing round, a Hugh Lane Gallery round – with lots of interactive fun!
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Thursday 15th August 2024
- SOLD OUT: Contemporary Female Expression: A life drawing class with Geraldine Carton (From 18.45) An evening of reclaiming the portrayal of women in art; this is a life-drawing class with a rebellious twist, encouraging us to embrace our creativity and imperfections, and appreciate womanhood in all its unruly glory. All materials provided and no experience necessary. Price includes 1 drink. 18+ Only. Tickets €20 via Eventbrite here.
- Expert Art Tour (18:30 – 19:30): Explore the acclaimed exhibition MORE POWER TO YOU: Sarah Purser – A Force for Irish Art with a guided tour. Free – Tickets available on Eventbrite here or meet at reception, subject to availability.
- DJs Francois Pittion & Mick Heaney (18:00 – 20:30): Bringing the chilled vibes with a vinyl set, melting us into the weekend.
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Gallery Bookshop
The Gallery Bookshop will be open until late with great deals on artbooks, gifts and more!