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Dublin City Gallery: The Hugh Lane

The Hugh Lane Gallery - or Dublin City Gallery: The Hugh Lane as it now likes to be called - is nearly ready to show off its 13-million-euro refurbishment to the public. On Tuesday some lucky members of the press were given a tour of the barely finished extension of the gallery by architect Des McMahon and Hugh Lane staff members. Set to open in early May 2006, the additions complement the 1765 Charlemont House in which the orginal gallery resides. The new wing is designed in a neutral fashion, allowing visitors to focus on the art itself. The five-year project will double the exhibition space of the gallery, expanding it from 2,000 square metres to 4,000. In addition to 13 new galleries, the Hugh Lane will now include a lecture room, a state-of-the-art archive area, and bookshop where visitors can relax after their art browsing. Barbara Dawson, Director of the Hugh Lane, said, "Our plan is to ensure that the gallery, which is in many ways renewing itself, is a showcase of Irish and international works and of a standard to rival the very best on the international stage."