Public Buildings

National Gallery of Ireland - Millennium Wing

The Millennium wing of the National Gallery of Ireland is situated on the northwest corner of the National Gallery Campus at the junction of Clare Lane and Clare Street.  The building stands approximately 20 metres above pavement level and is constructed in reinforced concrete and clad with Portland stone.  Particular elements of the building are constructed in the highest quality white concrete, namely the three main staircases and some structural columns.

The Millennium Wing is situated to the North West of the existing Gallery and is defined by Clare Street to the North, Clare Lane to the East, Leinster Lane to the West and the new Oireachtas extension to the South.  The scheme allowed for the demolition of all buildings on the site with the exception of an existing 2-storey building known as “The Ballroom” and No 5 South Leinster Street.

The superstructure (standing approximately 20 metres above street level) which comprises entry level, ground level, ground mezzanine level and first floor is comprised of a reinforced concrete frame with beam/slab and column construction.  The façade is clad in an open jointed Portland stone.

The basement is designed as a Grade 4 reinforced concrete basement. The concrete works to the basement are all waterproof concrete (using a caltite additive by Cementaid) and the external envelope of the basement is tanked with a Servicised Bituthene membrane.

A number of the elements of superstructure are constructed in very high quality “white concrete”.  These comprise the two main stairwells at the front of the building, internal columns at entry level and a “hanging stairs” to the South of the building which connects the ground, mezzanine and first floors.  The concrete mix includes white Portland cement and white dust to give the required appearance.

The building was completed in December 2001 and opened to the public in January 2002. The building was recently awarded the 2002 Irish Concrete Society Award.