Discover and rediscover the National Collection with a Friends of the National Gallery of Ireland membership

Join the Friends of the National Gallery of Ireland to unlock a year of iconic art, and unlimited visits to paid exhibitions. Membership of the Gallery is a great way to support the Arts

Photographer Jack Caffrey, The Pimlico Project, 2017. Image © National Gallery of Ireland.

Exhibitions – Get free unlimited entry

Our current exhibition Turner: The Sun is God (which runs until 6 February) is organised in cooperation with Tate and proudly supported by Grant Thornton, Exhibition Partner followed in May 2023 by Lavinia Fontana: Trailblazer Rule breaker. Proudly supported by Bank of America, Exhibition Partner.

A wealth of benefits for Friends

In 2023 a dynamic programme of events and activities for Friends will run alongside our exhibitions. This will include exclusive access to digital content, an exciting events programme including talks and tours at the Gallery and beyond, and access to ‘Friends Fortnight’, a two-week celebration of Friends which takes place during the month of February.

Members will gain new insights with access to exclusive lectures, tours and events (including some virtual via ZOOM), sharing knowledge and behind-the-scenes stories about Gallery exhibitions and projects. You will also receive access to an archive of videos, art history talks and lecture series on YouTube, and a weekly e-newsletter sharing new events and Gallery news exclusively for Friends. Friends get discounts on education courses and events and a 10% discount in the Gallery shop and café, plus a copy of each issue of The Gallery magazine.

Supporting the National Collection

Not only does Membership offer lots of great benefits, but every purchase supports the Gallery’s work. Thanks to the generous support of Friends, a 16^th century work by Venetian artist Palma il Vecchio that has been in the Gallery stores for many years is currently undergoing treatment by our Head of Conservation Simone Mancini. Friends were recently able to support the purchase of a new microscope to aid the conservation and care of the Collection. Friends have previously supported acquisitions, exhibitions and displays, and recently the publication accompanying the recent exhibition Jack B Yeats: Painting and Memory.

What our Friends say

“I have really enjoyed visits to, and lectures provided by, the Gallery in this last year. You provide a lot of value to your Friends and Patrons” – Mary

“I’ve enjoyed having a membership for the last 2 years. I have always found the Friends desk a pleasure to deal with.” – Laura

“It was very enjoyable to visit behind-the-scenes, and view artworks that are rarely seen. The event was very well organised with excellent communication.” – Diana

“Visits to the Print Room and interaction with Curators is always interesting and informative. I don’t think you can improve on that. Venue and catering were excellent.” – Eamonn

A message from the Friends Team

We are very grateful for the support of our Friends. Membership of Friends of the National Gallery of Ireland offers the chance to be even closer to the Gallery. We are delighted to be offering both online and on-site events to inspire art lovers from all over the country to join our community. Friends will be able to explore a year of unmissable exhibitions for free, experience exclusive talks and events and enjoy special discounts whilst supporting the National Gallery of Ireland’s work. Your Art. Your Gallery. Join us.

Sinéad Morrin – Friends Manager

Give the gift of art

All types of Memberships are available as a gift for the art lover in your life.

Give friends and family endless enjoyment, and a year of inspirational art with a Friends of the National Gallery of Ireland gift Membership. Every purchase supports the National Gallery and the lucky recipient will enjoy a range of fantastic benefits available to Friends throughout the year.