Luan Gallery, Contemporary art gallery in Athlone, Ireland.
Luan Gallery combines a historic public library building from 1897 with a modern extension featuring large windows that face the Shannon River. The gallery uses both sections to display rotating exhibitions of paintings, sculptures, and textiles that change every two months.
The building started as a temperance hall in the late 1800s, then became a public library before turning into an art gallery in 2012. This series of transformations reflects how the town has adapted the space to meet changing community needs over time.
The gallery's name comes from an old Irish word meaning light, which fits the river views and bright modern spaces where you can see works by artists from the Irish midlands and beyond. The riverside location makes it a natural gathering place for people interested in contemporary art and design in the town.
The gallery sits near the town center by the riverside with parking available nearby, making it easy to visit on foot. The space is accessible for all visitors and can be viewed comfortably in about an hour or two depending on your interest in the current show.
The architecture won recognition from the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland in 2013 as the year's best cultural building, a rare honor for how well the old and new sections blend. Designer Keith Williams created a plan that respects the historic structure while supporting contemporary art activities.
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