Museum of the Decorative Arts
Location: Collin's Barracks, Benburb St, Dublin 7
More Info: Visit Website
Category: Museums
Location Map
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Home to fascinating collections of artifacts reflecting Irish economic, social, industrial, political and military history over the last 300 years, including weaponry, furniture, silver, ceramics, glassware and clothing.
Of particular note is the collection of Irish Silver, the largest in the world, which looks not just at the craftsmanship involved in producing the intricate and beautiful objects on display but at the mining and assaying of the metal.
Irish furniture displays include not just period pieces but also the work of Eileen Gray, one of the most influential designers and architects of the 20th century. Other permanent exhibitions includes ones on Coins and Currency, Neoceltic Art and an eclectic selection of curators' favourites from the Museums collections. This latter exhibition incudes the exquisate Fonthill Vase – the earliest documented piece of Chinese porcelain in Europe.
There is a big emphasis on involving the community here, with very good events, tours and lectures aimed at adults, families and children, though younger children will probably not enjoy this one much outside of these events. The museum cafe is excellent - a good place for lunch!
The Museum Building
The museum is housed in Collins Barracks, where building commenced in 1702 and troops, initially English but latterly from the Irish Army, were housed there until 1969. Built around a large central courtyard the buildings vary in age, some 18th century.
The barracks was handed over by the Army to the National Gallery in 1994, comprehensively and beautifully restored and opened in its current form in 1999. It has enabled the museum to put on display many items that were previously unavailable to the public due to lack of exhibition space.
Visiting the Museum
The museum is open all year eound from 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday and from 2pm to 5pm on Sundays.
It is on the route of all the hop-on hop-off tourist buses in Dublin, the Luas tram passes the entrance and it is a short walk from the Hueston Rail Station.
Location Map for Museum of the Decorative Arts
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