Hugh Lane Gallery to close for refurbishment

Dublin City Council is pleased to announce that the planned refurbishment of the Hugh Lane Gallery will proceed alongside the construction of a new city library for Dublin.  

The gallery will close its doors to the public on 28th September 2025 to facilitate the renovation and the safe removal of the gallery’s collection. It is expected to remain closed for at least 3 years. 

The refurbishment is part of a major investment in Parnell Square North which will reshape the square into a significant cultural quarter and enrich the experience of Dublin's citizens and visitors to the city.

The refurbishment will upgrade the original 1930s wing to 21st century museum standards of security and environmental controls. It will ensure the preservation of the collection for future generations and will enhance our ability to secure significant  international loans for major temporary exhibitions.

The refurbishment will also include a direct link between the gallery and the new Dublin City library, creating a unique cultural experience across art and literature. 

The Hugh Lane Gallery conservation team is working hard to safely pack and transport the gallery’s renowned collection to museum standard storage facilities. This ensures the public’s collection is being cared for to the highest standards and will be ready for display when the gallery reopens.

Francis Bacon’s Studio will be fully protected throughout the temporary closure period and will remain onsite.

For regular updates throughout the closure period, sign up to the gallery’s newsletter at https://hughlane.ie/ or follow the gallery’s social media channels.

ENDS