The Crawford Art Gallery is well worth a visit. The building itself was
originally a custom house built in 1724. It was extensively remodeled by Arthur
Hill who gave the structure its distinctive present day appearance. The candle
snuffer style tower is especially charming. For some time this building housed
the School of Art, but the school has long since moved. The exterior, though
charming, should not be dwelt upon too long, as the inside contains a treasure
throve of 18th, 19th and 20th century art.
There is a permanent exhibition on the coloured glass work of Harry Clarke. The
main exhibition halls are usually devoted to exhibitions by modern day Irish
artists and change regularly.
An extension to the gallery began in Janurary 1999, which will leave the current building's facade untouched and add a new facade on Half Moon Street. In addition, the paving of Emmett Place will hopefully make it a social place.