Chester Beatty, a must-see on Dublin visitor’s itinerary

Chester Beatty is the European Museum of the Year

The Chester Beatty is a museum and library in Dublin. Described by the Lonely Planet as not just the best museum in Dublin, but also, as one of the best in Europe, the Chester Beatty is a must-see on any Dublin visitor’s itinerary. 

As the only museum in Ireland to win ‘European Museum of the Year’, the Chester Beatty’s rich collections from countries across Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe open a window on the artistic treasures of the great cultures and religions of the world.

You can get there walking 5 minutes from Dublin Citi Hotel!

The Library displays the collections in two collections: “Sacred Traditions” and “Artistic Traditions”. Both displays exhibit manuscripts, miniature paintings, prints, drawings, rare books and some decorative arts from the Islamic, East Asian and Western Collections.

Chester Beatty Library

Collections in Chester Beatty

 1.  Western Collections

The Western Collection houses many illuminated manuscripts, rare books and Old Master prints and drawings. The collection of papyri is one of the most extensive in the world and includes almost the entire corpus of Ancient Egyptian Love Songs.

 2.  Islamic Collections

You can find The Islamic Collection displayed across the Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Qur’an and Mughal-Era Indian Collections. The Arabic texts include treatises on religion, history, jurisprudence, medicine, geography, mathematics, astronomy and linguistics. The library houses some of the most exquisite miniatures from imperial Mughal albums, called Muraqqa’, with valuable paintings from the Late Shah Jahan Album and the Minto Album. The records were the subject of an exhibition and publication by the Islamic curator, Dr Elaine Wright, Muraqqa’: Imperial Albums of the Chester Beatty Library. Often on display is the Ibn al-Bawwab Qur’an, copied by one of the greatest medieval Islamic calligraphers.

3. East Asian Collections

The East Asian Collection has one of the most extensive collections of carved snuff bottles, many of which included in the catalogue, The Chester Beatty Library, Dublin: Chinese Snuff Bottles. It also has incredible Japanese arts, notably covering a pair of long picture-scrolls painted in the 17th century by Kanō Sansetsu.

Opening hours

  • March to October: Monday to Friday, from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
  • November to February: Tuesday to Friday, from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m (Closed Mondays).
  • Saturday: 11.00 A.M. to 5.00 P.M. (All year).
  • Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (All year).

Free admission, it is not required to make a booking. You can get to Chester Beatty walking 5 minutes from Dublin Citi Hotel.

COVID Update: The safety of our staff and visitors is paramount. They implemented a number of measures for you to enjoy your visit in a safe and friendly environment. Learn more.

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