Suitably austere, the Kerlin is one of the country's leading art galleries with a programme of national and international contemporary art. It was established in 1988 and has a total of 3600 square feet on two floors. Notable exhibitors have included Northern Irish photographer Paul Seawright and American artists Kevin Appel and Carter Potter. Visit the gallery's website for further details.
Founded in 1908 by art enthusiast Sir Hugh Lane, this elegant gallery houses Sir Hugh's collection of paintings by Dégas, Monet and Courbet; in addition to Rodin sculptures and a fine selection of modern Irish paintings. A magnificent stained glass room includes panels by Evie Hone and Harry Clarke: most notable of late, however, is the Lane's acquisition of Francis Bacon's studio, which is now reproduced in the gallery untouched. Free classical music concerts are held here on winter Sundays, lectures are frequently given: the Hugh Lane is worth a visit all year long. They also have a cafe and a bookshop that are open all the hours of the operation of the museum.
In 1991, the restored site of the Royal Hospital was officially opened as the Irish Museum of Modern Art. This splendid 17th-century building is now the venue for some superb exhibitions and conducts a number of educational and community-oriented projects. Free guided tours are available and these include visits to the chapel, banqueting hall, and the beautifully restored baroque garden. Admission is free.
One of the more exciting galleries on the Irish art scene, the critically acclaimed Green on Red holds several exhibitions every year, which are composed of resident artists and those invited from abroad. First established in 1992, the gallery has forged strong links with artists Bridget Riley, Maurice O'Connell and Clare Langan. The gallery specializes in contemporary art of an abstract or conceptual nature, and its often innovative exhibitions frequently utilize video and photography.