The National Gallery will be closed for three months from today to facilitate refurbishment.
The gallery has been under going a £9 million programme for the past three years. When it reopens in May the gallery in Merrion Square, Dublin, will be transformed, according to its director, Mr Raymond Keaveney.
The 1968 wing will have a flexible arrangement of rooms which will allow for greater variety in exhibition of the gallery's treasures. It will be possible to show up to 700 paintings which have not been on display for many years, and paintings remaining in storage will be kept in a purpose built reserve area which will be accessible on request.
There will be alterations to the entrance foyer and an all glass hydraulic lift is being installed.
Outreach talks and workshops at libraries, clubs and art centres operated by the gallery's education department will continue during the closure.