MASTERPIECES FROM THE COLLECTION
Beit Wing (Rooms 1-10)
Admission free
Masterpieces from the Collection is a special presentation of some of the finest works in the Gallery’s collection, now open in the Beit Wing and Millennium Wing (rooms 1 – 10). It includes a stunning selection of paintings from the European collection, from the early Renaissance through to the mid-twentieth century. Highlights of the Irish collection map the development of Irish art from the eighteenth century onwards and include key works by Hugh Douglas Hamilton, James Barry, William Orpen, John Lavery and Jack B. Yeats.
New additions to the diplay include scenic views of Dresden and Florence by Bernardo Bellotto (1720-80), one of the most celebrated Italian artists of the mid-eighteenth century. His views of Dresden (NGI collection), date to circa 1750 when he was painter to King Augustus III, King of Poland, Elector of Saxony. The Dresden pictures are on display alongside two of the artist’s views of Florence (on loan from Russborough, courtesy of the Alfred Beit Foundation), which were painted by the artist after a brief visit to the city in 1742 when he was just twenty years old.
The Meeting on the Turret Stairs
One of the Gallery’s most popular watercolours, The Meeting on the Turret Stairs by Frederic William Burton (1816-1900) is now installed in a specially made cabinet in the Millennium Wing. Due to its delicate nature, the Burton watercolour will be available to view for a limited time each week, as follows:
Monday: 11am-12noon
Wednesday: 11am-12noon
Saturday: 2pm-3pm
PLANNING YOUR VISIT
Access to the Masterpieces display in the Beit Wing is via the Millennium Wing. Admission is free. Please use the entrance at Clare Street. Groups to the exhibition spaces will be limited to 15 persons and must be notified in advance of arrival through Visitor Services, email visitorservices@ngi.ie or telephone (01) 6615133. For guided tours, book in advance through the Education Department, email education@ngi.ie
