National Gallery of Ireland Historic Wings Refurbishment (2014 - 2016)

The refurbishment of thehistoric wings is part of an overall master plan that aimsto develop a coherent and accessible circulationsystem through the various layers of the Gallery. Each wing –Dargan, Milltown and Beit wings – reflectsthe era in which they were built. The refurbishment allows the individual character of each to be moreclearly read and understood. By opening up forgotten windows, reimagining a lightwell as a courtyard, the Gallery has been opened up and allowed to breatheagain. New lift cores and stairs create universalaccess throughout with attention being paid to lightinglevels, visual contrast cues, materials, audio aids, fireescape and safety systems.

Jury Citation: The project demonstrated both ingenuity and restraint in its approach, working with the existing buildings and unlocking dormant potential to reinvigorate the gallery. The new sculpture court is a particular addition, bringing both light and space deep into the heart of the building, but where bold moves were needed they were never allowed distract from the integrity of the historic buildings. Conservation is at the core of what has been achieved and close collaboration between architect, conservation architect and engineering designers is evident, as is the close attention paid to the client’s brief. Services integration is especially well handled. Visitors familiar with the gallery could come away assured that much remained the same while impressed by how much it had been improved.