Dublin's Hugh Lane Gallery to close for refurbishments

Sarah Slater

Dublin's Hugh Lane Gallery will close to the public for refurbishment works in September.

The planned refurbishment of the gallery will proceed alongside the construction of Dublin's new city library in Parnell Square.

From September 28th the gallery’s doors will close to facilitate the renovation and the safe removal of art works. In an update, gallery owner Dublin City Council did not specify a time frame for the upgrade works.

The refurbishment is part of a major investment in Parnell Square North which the council said would “reshape the Square into a significant cultural quarter and enrich the experience of Dublin's citizens and visitors to the city”.

Works are planned to upgrade the original 1930s wing "to 21st century museum standards of security and environmental controls,” the council added in a statement issued to city councillors.

The council said the refurbishment would “ensure the preservation of the collection for future generations and will enhance our ability to secure significant international loans for major temporary exhibitions.”

The gallery houses the studio of the late internationally renowned painter Francis Bacon, whose works are worth millions of euro.

In relation to the studio of the Irish-born figurative painter, the council said it would be “fully protected throughout the temporary closure period and will remain onsite”.

The refurbishment will also include a direct link between the gallery and the new Dublin City library, creating a “unique cultural experience” across art and literature.

An update to councillors by the council is to be provided in early September.