The Hunt Museum houses a diverse collection of antiquities and fine and decorative art, in Limerick City. It reflects the interests of the two people who formed it, John and Gertrude Hunt. There are artefacts from Greece, Rome, Egypt and the Olmec civilisation. There is also an important collection of Irish archaeological material ranging from Neolithic flints and Bronze Age material, including a Bronze Age shield and cauldron, to later Christian objects such as the unique 9th century Antrim Cross. One of the strengths of the collection is the medieval material, which include statues in stone and wood, painted panels, jewellery, enamels, ivories, ceramics, crystal and crucifixes.
18th and 19th century decorative arts are also represented with fine examples of silver, glass and ceramics. Artists' works in the collection include Pablo Picasso, Pierre Auguste Renoir, Roderic O’Conor, Jack B Yeats, Robert Fagan and Henry Moore.
Donated to the people of Ireland by John and Gertrude Hunt, their generosity ranks highly in the nations history.
The museum also has an excellent gift shop and restaurant. Get there early if you're going for lunch for a great view of the river. Many locals enjoy this jewel in Limerick and there is no admission charge to this part of the museum.
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