| | National Gallery of Ireland |
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The National Gallery of Ireland is situated on Merrion Square in Dublin 2, a short distance from Dublin city centre. Merrion Square is a Georgian square which dates back to 1762 and is one of the finest examples of a Georgian Square in Dublin. The Gallery houses the national collection of Irish, European and Worldwide works of art. The Gallery is within a 5 minute walk from Grafton Street. |
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Founded in 1854 and completed in 1864, the Gallery was needed to cater for an exhibition centre in Dublin. The National Gallery of Ireland was designed by Francis Fowke and by the time it had opened it had amassed a collection of 125 paintings. Further significant purchases and the gifting of the paintings from Russborough House meant that the gallery had to be expanded a number of times. In 1903 the Milton Wing was completed and was used to house 31 watercolours by Turner which had been donated. |
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Probably the most famous incident associated with the Gallery happened in 1990 with a lost Caravaggio, The Taking of Christ was found and donated to the gallery. The painting seemed to have disappeared during the 18th Century and remained hidden until 1990. The painting was only known to exist by copies that were found. In 1990 the painting was found by a Sergio Benedetti who visited the Jesuit’s. The painting had been hanging there since 1930. The Jesuit’s considered the painting to be a copy of the original until this time. |
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The gallery regularly holds events and showcases works from all around the world. Admission to the gallery is free and if you are visiting Dublin in the near future, this museum must be on your wish list of places to see. |
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Copyright @ Malone Car Hire Ireland |
