National Gallery of Ireland

Established by an Act of Parliament in 1854, the National Gallery of Ireland first opened its doors to the public in 1864. It was founded with the vision of providing a space where the people of Ireland could engage with fine art, regardless of their social standing. The initial collection was modest, but the gallery's early years were marked by significant donations and a commitment to acquiring works that represented the breadth of European artistic achievement. Over the next century, the gallery underwent several major expansions to accommodate its growing collection. The Dargan Wing, named after the railway magnate William Dargan, was the original structure, followed by the Milltown Wing in 1903 and the Beit Wing in 1968. In 2002, the striking Millennium Wing was added, providing a modern contrast to the classical architecture and allowing for large-scale temporary exhibitions and improved visitor facilities. Today, the gallery houses a world-class collection of over 16,000 works of art, including the renowned Yeats collection and the rediscovered masterpiece by Caravaggio, 'The Taking of Christ'. It remains a cornerstone of Irish cultural identity, offering free access to the permanent collection and serving as a hub for education, research, and the appreciation of art from the Middle Ages to the present day.