National Gallery of Ireland launches extraordinary new exhibition celebrating works of Alberto Giacometti

• Giacometti: From Life showcases over 50 sculptures, paintings and drawings 
• Giacometti is considered by many to be one of the most important sculptors of the 20th century
• Ticket-only exclusive exhibition will run from 9 April – 4 September 2022

The National Gallery of Ireland has announced the launch of its latest exhibition – Giacometti: From Life – which will open to the public on Saturday, 9 April 2022. The new display offers visitors a rare opportunity to see more than 50 works by renowned artist Alberto Giacometti, including sculptures, paintings, and drawings. This is the first exhibition of Giacometti’s work to be held at the National Gallery of Ireland. Giacometti: From Life is co-organised by the National Gallery of Ireland and the Fondation Giacometti.

Alberto Giacometti was a Swiss-born artist who lived and worked mainly in Paris. He is considered to be one of the most important sculptors of the 20th century. The artworks in the exhibition date from Giacometti’s early years in his native Switzerland through to the late work he made in his Paris. The human figure was a source of endless fascination to Giacometti, and Giacometti: From Life highlights his close relationships with the friends and family members who modelled for him. 

An exciting programme of events and activities will run alongside the exhibition. Including talks and activities. The programme will be of particular interest to school students and to adult lifelong learners.

On the opening of Giacometti: From Life, Sean Rainbird, Director, National Gallery of Ireland, said: “Alberto Giacometti is considered one of the most important artists of his generation. Visitors will have the chance to see some of Giacometti’s finest sculptures, paintings, and drawings. We are extremely grateful to our colleagues in Fondation Giacometti who have collaborated with us to develop this landmark show. We look forward to welcoming you to this once in a lifetime exhibition.”

Catherine Grenier, Director and Curator, Fondation Giacometti, said: “The Fondation Giacometti is pleased to present this unique exhibition devoted to the work of Alberto Giacometti in collaboration with the National Gallery of Ireland. The exhibition will take on a special resonance in the homeland of Samuel Beckett and Francis Bacon, both of whom were close to Giacometti and shared with him a singular vision of humanity. We hope that Irish public, like their famous compatriots before them, will become familiar with the artist, his models, and his work.”

Tickets for Giacometti: From Life can be purchased online, starting from €5.

Find out more at www.nationalgallery.ie.

Notes to Editor:

• Images are available on request.
• Gallery representatives including Director Sean Rainbird are available for interview.

Exhibition information:

Gallery opening hours:

Monday: 11am – 5.30pm
Tuesday – Wednesday: 9.15am – 5.30pm
Thursday: 9.15am – 8.30pm
Friday – Saturday: 9.15am – 5.30pm
Sunday: 11am – 5.30pm

Giacometti: From Life

• Beit Wing, National Gallery of Ireland
• 9 April 2022 – 4 September 2022
• Curators: Sean Rainbird and Janet McLean (National Gallery of Ireland); Catherine Grenier and Thierry Pautot (Fondation Giacometti)
• Tickets from €5 (entry is free on Mondays, 11am-2pm)
• Giacometti: From Life is co-organised by the National Gallery of Ireland and the Fondation Giacometti.

About the National Gallery of Ireland:

The National Gallery of Ireland is one of the country’s most popular visitor attractions housing the nation’s collection of European and Irish art from about 1300 to the present day, and an extensive Library & Archive. Entry to the collection is free for all to enjoy, learn and be inspired.

About the Fondation Giacometti:

Created in December 2003 in Paris, the Fondation Giacometti is dedicated to the preservation and diffusion of Alberto Giacometti’s oeuvre. The foundation is the owner of the largest collection in the world of works by Alberto Giacometti and works at promoting and enhancing his oeuvre on an international level.