Royal Hibernian Academy, art academy and gallery in Dublin, Ireland
The Royal Hibernian Academy is an art museum and teaching institution in Dublin that displays exhibitions of contemporary and classical artworks. The building contains galleries, studios, and event spaces that cover the full range of visual arts from painting and sculpture to photography and new media.
The Academy was established in 1823 and grew into one of Ireland's leading art institutions, moving and evolving throughout its history. Its creation marked a turning point in Dublin's artistic development during the 19th century.
The Academy's name origin lies in its 1823 royal charter, and it kept "Royal" after Irish independence in 1922. Its annual open-submission exhibition has run since 1826, and the Ashford Gallery is reserved for artists not yet shown in Dublin. Members use the initials RHA, associate members ARHA, and honorary council members HRHA.
The building sits in central Dublin and is easy to reach on foot; exhibitions rotate regularly, so checking the current program before visiting is helpful. Access is open to visitors of all ages and interests, and the spaces allow for comfortable exploration.
Works shown at the RHA's early exhibitions were handed out by lottery to subscribers as prizes, a scheme meant to build interest in the arts. Paintings by J. M. W. Turner, David Wilkie and Daniel Maclise reached private owners this way. The 1916 Easter Rising fire destroyed Academy House and over 500 works, including pieces by Jack Butler Yeats and John Lavery.
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