Discover the Museum of Decorative Arts & History in Dublin

Overview

The Museum of Decorative Arts & History in Dublin is a captivating destination showcasing a diverse collection of around 150,000 artifacts. Once a military barracks, this National Museum branch has been transformed into a vibrant cultural space filled with galleries and exhibition areas. Highlights of the collection range from intricate Asian artifacts and fine art to historical military pieces and decorative furniture. Notable objects include the Great Coat worn by the influential Irish leader Michael Collins, as well as an authentic copy of the Proclamation of the Republic from the 1916 Easter Rising. The museum offers unique experiences like guided tours on the last Sunday of each month and a closer look at conservation efforts four times a year. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of special events, including military reenactments and expert talks, making every visit a memorable journey through history.

Photo of Museum of Decorative Arts & History
Photo of Museum of Decorative Arts & History
Opening hours
  • Sunday 13:00 - 17:00
  • Monday 13:00 - 17:00
  • Tuesday 10:00 - 17:00
  • Wednesday 10:00 - 17:00
  • Thursday 10:00 - 17:00
  • Friday 10:00 - 17:00
  • Saturday 10:00 - 17:00

Open 24/7

Contact Info
  • AddressCollins Barracks, Benburb St, Stoneybatter, Dublin, D07 XKV4, Ireland
  • Phone+353 1 677 7444

Reviews

David Murphy
Poland
5
A fantastic place that I highly recommend for everyone. Entry is free, and there is a wealth of information available. Their guided tours on weekends are truly exceptional. I gained so much insight into Irish history in an engaging way, and all for no charge. Be sure to add it to your "To Do" list.
Ola Nowak
Nigeria
5
It was an incredible visit. The staff were fantastic, providing guidance throughout the building. The exhibits are world-renowned. A sign for directing visitors to the building housing the exhibits would be crucial for such a splendid national museum.
Xiang Li
China
5
This FREE museum specializes in military artifacts and is filled with historical items. It is well presented, featuring a wealth of informative placards, unique items, and a large-scale restoration of Asgard.
Emily Ryan
Ireland
5
A wonderful free museum that provides a lot of insights into Irish history through decorative arts. It features numerous exhibits that showcase everyday items like clothing, furniture, and kitchenware, offering a deeper understanding of life in the past. I highly recommend finding the clock mechanism to see it chime, especially around noon.
Olivia Brown
United Kingdom
5
I went on a Sunday when it was almost empty, allowing me to explore the three floors of exhibitions at my own pace. I concentrated on the Art and Design section, as the Military History occupied the other two sections of the building. The variety of exhibits covering numerous disciplines was impressive, but my favorite was the redesigned silverware by design students and the exhibit on designer Ib Jorgensen. Exhibitions on coinage, interior design, architecture, and more can be found. You can easily spend a whole day here, and it's free!