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.
- 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.
- Drop-in for Teens: Trash to Treasure
Family funDrop-in for Teens: Trash to Treasure Get creative with recycled materials and give them a chance for a second life in this hands-on, eco-friendly workshop!
- In Focus Tour: Samurai, The Way of the Warrior
Free things to doIn Focus Tour: Samurai, The Way of the Warrior Join Joan Barnewell at Chester Beatty to explore the life of the samurai, the ancient Japanese military nobility.
- Introduction to Arabic Calligraphy with Artist Diaa Lagan
Family funIntroduction to Arabic Calligraphy with Artist Diaa Lagan Arabic calligraphy is a visual art related to the design and execution of the written word based on the Arabic alphabet. It is known in Arabic as khatt, meaning ‘line’.
- Silk Worm Families Drop-in: Travel Book
Family funSilk Worm Families Drop-in: Travel Book Going on holidays or day trips, taking a walk or hill hikes – why not take along a special travelogue book?
- Drop-in Drawing with Roxana Manouchehri
Free things to doDrop-in Drawing with Roxana Manouchehri Join a free drop-in art drawing activity at Chester Beatty, Dublin with artist Roxana Manouchehri this summer.
- Gentle Yoga and Meditation on the Rooftop Garden
Health and wellbeingGentle Yoga and Meditation on the Rooftop Garden Join instructor Mary Dowling for this special session designed to embrace the essence of yoga through a series of gentle poses that aim to enhance your flexibility and build strength.
- Silk Worm Families Drop-in: 3D Worlds
Family funSilk Worm Families Drop-in: 3D Worlds Use your imagination and create a 3D world inspired by Chester Beatty's temporary exhibition ‘Routes and Realms – al-Masālik wa al-Mamālik’.
Enjoy a yoga or Qigong class on the lovely rooftop.
