Architectural Dublin / 19th Century / National Gallery of Ireland

Architect: Richard Griffith
Interior Access Gallery Hours Only

The original building was an exact elevational copy of the Natural History Museum by Frederick Clarendon across Leinster Lawn. After a falling out with the Board of Trustees, the engineer turned architect Griffith was replaced by Charles Lanyon who designed the magnificent interior staircase leading from the sculpture gallery. Lanyon was then replaced by Francis Fowke whose galleries were so technologically advanced with regard to their lighting and ventilation that the NGI was one of the most advanced in Europe.

The gallery was further extended in 1904 by Sir Thomas Manly Deane who designed the porch. Later extensions were added in 1969 and a restoration programme started in 1989. Places are advanced for a new extension to nearby Clare Street.