National Gallery of Ireland, National art museum in Merrion Square, Dublin, Ireland
The National Gallery of Ireland is an art museum on Merrion Square in Dublin, Ireland, displaying European paintings, sculptures, and prints from seven centuries. The collection is spread across several interconnected buildings, including a historic 19th-century wing and more recent extensions from later decades.
The museum was founded in 1864 after an industrial exhibition in 1853 showed that the public had an interest in fine arts. Later, the collection received major donations from Irish aristocratic families and private benefactors, which enabled growth over several generations.
The name honors the intention to make Irish and European art accessible to a wide audience, with visitors today walking through large halls with high ceilings and natural light. Families and school groups regularly use the free access, making the place a lively meeting point for people of all ages.
The main entrance is on the north side of Merrion Square, and finding your way through the different wings is easy thanks to clear signage. On Thursdays the building stays open until late evening, while other days have shorter opening hours.
A painting by Caravaggio resurfaced in 1990 in a Jesuit house after it had been considered a copy for decades. This work now ranks among the most valuable pieces in the collection and attracts many visitors.
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