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Press Release,
June 2004
This year marks
the 150th anniversary of the National Gallery of Ireland since it
was established by an Act of Parliament on 10th August in 1854.
The Gallery opened to the public ten years later in 1864.
A special lecture
by Robert Hughes, the internationally renowned writer, art critic
and historian, is among a host of events organised by the Gallery
to mark the occasion. Full details of the anniversary programme
are published in a colour-illustrated brochure, available free from
the Gallery or by visiting, www.nationalgallery.ie
Exhibitions
Included in this year's schedule are a series of internationally
based exhibitions in the Millennium Wing; Luis Meléndez:
Still Lifes (16 June - 5 September), and German Romanticists,
an exhibition of masterpieces from the Alte Nationalgalerie, Berlin
(13 October- 30 January). Also on view will be a number of commemorative
exhibitions in the Print Gallery; 'A Plain Structure Firmly Built'-150
Years of the National Gallery of Ireland (2 June - 12 September)
and 150 years of the Watercolour Society of Ireland's Exhibitions
(6 October - 12 December). Other smaller 'in-focus' exhibitions
will celebrate artists such as Edith Somerville; and Portraits
of the Abbey Theatre - celebrating 100 years of the foundation
the National Theatre.
Concerts
The commemorative summer concert series, 'Ad Multos Annos'
will be performed in the Shaw Room by the National Chamber Choir
featuring commissioned a capella pieces based on well-known
paintings from the collection.
Lectures
& Tours
Guided anniversary tours and lunchtime talks will take place during
the summer months. Highlights of the autumn programme will include
an art and supper lecture series entitled, 'The Story of the
Great Masters' which will explore five masterpieces selected
by distinguished international speakers.
Robert Hughes,
writer, critic and historian, will give a special talk on 'A
Nation's Self Image in an Art Museum.' It will take place on
Saturday 6 November at 3pm. Tickets (€15 & €10 concessions)
are available from the Gallery Shop from 1st September.
Special
Publication
The first comprehensive History of the National Gallery of Ireland,
written by Peter Somerville-Large, will be published and launched
in the autumn.
For images
or further information, contact: Valerie Keogh
Press & Communications Office
National Gallery of Ireland
Telephone (01) 661 5133
Email press@ngi.ie
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