European Museum of the Year 2002,
Irish Museum of the Year 2000.
Situated in the heart of the city centre, the Chester Beatty Library's exhibitions open a window on the artistic treasures of the great cultures and religions of the world.
The Library's rich collection of manuscripts, prints, icons, miniature paintings, early printed books and objects d'art from countries across the world offers visitors a visual feast.
Egyptian papyrus texts, beautifully illuminated copies of the Qur'an, the Bible, European medieval and renaissance manuscripts are among the highlights of the collection.
Turkish and Persian miniatures and striking Buddhist paintings are also on display, as are Chinese dragon robes and
Japanese woodblock prints.
In its diversity, the collection captures much of the richness of human creative expression from about 2700 BC to the present day.
Alfred Chester Beatty, who lived from1875 to 1968, was a New York born mining millionaire, who purchased over his lifetime a remarkable collection of precious material from the Middle and Far East. Living much of his later life in Dublin and becoming Ireland’s first Honorary Citizen in 1957, he decided to leave the results of his life’s work to the nation.
Opening Times:
May-Sept: Monday-Friday: 10am-5pm
Oct-Apr: Tuesday-Friday: 10am-5pm
Saturdays: 11am-5pm (all year)
Sundays: 1pm-5pm (all year)
Closed Public Holiday Mondays; Good Friday; 24th, 25th, 26th December; 1st January.
Admission Prices:
Free.
For prebooked guided tours Primary & post primary free. Adult groups €3 per person. OAP's/Adult education & 3rd level €2 per person.
Facilities:
Restaurant, gift and book shop, audio-visual presentations, roof garden, wheelchair access, baby-changing facilities.
How to Get There:
Ten minutes walk from Trinity College,
en route to Christ Church Cathedral.
Adjacent to the gardens in Dublin Castle.
Bus routes: 13, 16, 19, & 123
(from O’Connell Street).
Download Visit Dublin’s Dublin on a Budget Guide to find out more about visiting Dublin on a Budget.
Download Visit Dublin’s Family Fun Insider Guide to find out more about Family Fun in Dublin.