Royal Hibernian Academy

About the museum

The Royal Hibernian Academy grew out of a group of about thirty Irish artists who asked for the right to exhibit their work regularly. They received a Royal Charter in 1823, and the landscape painter William Ashford became the first president. The Academy has been run by artists ever since: its Academicians are elected by their peers and form the Council that governs it.

Its first home, Academy House on Lower Abbey Street, was built in 1824 and was mostly destroyed in 1916 when fighting in the Easter Rising set it on fire. Much of the collection was lost with it. The Academy kept its annual exhibitions going but had no premises of its own for decades. A new building on Ely Place was put up from the 1970s, although work stalled for several years after its developer died. The galleries were closed for renovation between 2007 and 2009.

Today the RHA is an independent charity, supported partly by the Arts Council and partly by income from exhibitions, friends and donors. Five gallery spaces show a changing programme of contemporary art by emerging, established and senior artists, always with free admission. The building also houses the RHA School, with courses, masterclasses, talks and residencies, and the Academy keeps a collection of works gifted by its Academicians, part of which can be seen online.

Highlights

• Five gallery spaces that the Academy describes as the largest exhibition space in Ireland
• Changing exhibitions of contemporary art with free admission
• Learning and public events, including artist-led family activities
• RHA School with courses, masterclasses and talks
• Margadh café and wine bar in the building

Founded

1823

Operated by

Royal Hibernian Academy of Arts (independent charity)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission to the exhibitions is always free. Guided tours for education and community groups and bespoke corporate tours are charged per group.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The Academy states that the building is fully wheelchair accessible. One designated wheelchair parking space is directly outside the main entrance. For specific questions about the building, visitors can contact the office during office hours.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Artist-led and family-friendly events run throughout the year as part of the Academy’s learning and public engagement programme; current dates are listed on the What’s On page.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Coat check: not available

Margadh Café and Wine Bar is in the building (Tuesday and Wednesday 10:00 to 17:00, Thursday and Friday 10:00 to late, Saturday 11:00 to late, Sunday 12:00 to 16:00; closed Monday). There is no cloakroom. Food and drink are not allowed in the galleries. The gallery shop is online only.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Spaces include the Dr Tony Ryan Gallery, a double-height atrium and the smaller Friends Room. Corporate dinners, charity galas, meetings, screenings and performances are possible, as well as private evenings after hours.

Plan your visit