Green light for €20m refurbishment of National Gallery

A €20m investment in the National Gallery of Ireland will provide 300 jobs during the construction phase, it was announced today.

The planned development is the largest single refurbishement of the gallery since it opened in 1864.

The project, which will result in a larger, more eco-friendly gallery, is expected to take three years.

(Picture shows proposed new roofed sculpture courtyard between the Dargan (1864) and Milltown (1903) wings. Photo © National Gallery of Ireland/Heneghan Peng Architects )

It will consist of:

- A comprehensive refurbishment of the historic core of the National Gallery - the Dargan and Milltown wings

- The installation of 21st century climate, heating, fire suppression, electrical, lighting and security systems

- The reopening of Victorian features and spaces within the building previously unseen by the public

- The conversion of spaces between the wings for public use and as exhibition spaces to include the provision of a sculpture court

- The protection and preservation of the building itself

"This is the single largest transformation at the National Gallery of Ireland in 150 years," said Jimmy Deenihan, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, making the announcement today.

"I am delighted to announce this extensive refurbishment, which will deliver both a world-leading national gallery and also generate 300 full time construction and specialist skills jobs."

"Arts and cultural heritage are our greatest assets and an important natural resource of the Irish people," commented Dr. Olive Braiden, Chair of the Board of the National Gallery of Ireland.

" It is fitting that the fabric of these historic buildings be upgraded to world class gallery standards."

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