Take a journey across continents, countries and peoples, as you discover treasures of rare quality and beauty from across the globe. This world renowned, award winning museum showcases rich and diverse exhibitions of miniature paintings, decorative arts, manuscripts, prints and drawings, from Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe. All pieces were donated to the Irish nation by American mining magnate and philanthropist, Sir Alfred Chester Beatty (1875-1968).
Described by Lonely Planet as ‘not just the best museum in Ireland but one of the best in Europe’, and the only Irish museum to ever win European Museum of the Year, the Chester Beatty’s extraordinary collections span centuries, continents and cultures and offer visitors a fascinating view of global artistic heritage.
An engaging and welcoming space, visitors from Ireland and overseas can enjoy thought-provoking exhibitions, browse in the Gift Shop, or take a rest-stop in the Silk Road Café serving Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.
No pre-booking is required to visit Chester Beatty. Visitors can download a free audio tour in 13 languages (English, Irish, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Polish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Arabic, Turkish and Dutch) to self-guide through their visit. Free guided tours are available on select dates and need to be pre-booked.
- Turais i nGaeilge (Highlights tour in Irish) at Chester Beatty
Free things to doTurais i nGaeilge (Highlights tour in Irish) at Chester Beatty Join Chester Beatty for a free tour exploring some of the highlights and stories in their collection.
- Qigong in the Dubh Linn Garden
Family funQigong in the Dubh Linn Garden Qigong is a traditional Chinese form of meditation, co-ordinating slow movement, deep rhythmic breathing and a calm state of mind.
- In Focus Tour: Art and Soul – Jesuit Influence on the Arts of Imperial China
Free things to doIn Focus Tour: Art and Soul – Jesuit Influence on the Arts of Imperial China Join Joan Barnewell for a free tour of selected objects from the Chester Beatty’s Chinese collection.
- Gentle Yoga & Meditation on the Rooftop Garden
Health and wellbeingGentle Yoga & Meditation on the Rooftop Garden Celebrate International Yoga Day by joining instructor Mary Dowling for this special session at Chester Beatty.
- DCC Culture Club Tour: Samurai – The Way of the Warrior
Free things to doDCC Culture Club Tour: Samurai – The Way of the Warrior Join Joan Barnewell to explore the life of the samurai – the ancient Japanese military nobility at Chester Beatty this summer.
Enjoy a yoga or Qigong class on the lovely rooftop.