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The Royal Hibernian Academy (“RHA”) is an artist-controlled organization “dedicated to developing, affirming and challenging the public’s appreciation and understanding of traditional and innovative approaches to the visual arts.” To further this mission, the RHA presents a series of temporary exhibition each year including an extensive annual exhibition. The RHA's gallery is located in the heart of Dublin, within walking distance of the National Gallery and of the Book of Kells (Trinity College).
The RHA has been a force in Irish art for a long time.. In the latre 18th century, a group of artists sent a petition to the Viceroy asking for permission to have an annual exhibition. This was followed in 1821 by a Royal Charter giving the organization freedom from any other institution. Architect Francis Johnson, who was the second President of the RHA, gave the RHA its first permanent home - - a house on Lower Abby Street. It was there that the RHA held its annual exhibitions of contemporary Irish art until 1916. In that year, the RHA's house was caught up in the fighting of the Easter Rising. The works on display in that year's annual exhibition were destroyed along with the house. The RHA was without a home until 1939, when it received a house and garden on Ely Place. However, that building was not capable of hosting the annual exhibition so the RHA continued to hold its annual exhibitions in various locations including the National Gallery until 1985. That year marked the opening of the RHA's current home. It is a purpose-built structure that is located on the site of the original Ely Place house and garden. The building was designed by Raymond McGrath and funded by Matthew Gallagher of the Gallagher Group. In its building, the RHA has five galleries. The Ashord Gallery on the ground floor is used to introduce Irish artists who are not commercially represented to the viewing public. Also on the ground floor is the Dr. Tony Ryan Gallery, which presents works from private and public collections including works from the RHA's permanent collection. Upsatirs are three large galleries. These are used for temporary exhibitions of works by contemporary Irish and international artists. The exhibition program is not limited to any one style or school of art. Thus, exhibitions can include traditional figurative work, abstraction or conceptual pieces. In addition to the galleries, the RHA has a cafe and a shop. formation about visiting, see the RHA's website. Art Exhibition Reviews |
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Places to see art - - Dublin - Ireland - - Royal Hibernian Academy