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.
- 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 January.
- Slow Art Workshop: The Calm of Repeating Patterns
Health and wellbeingSlow Art Workshop: The Calm of Repeating Patterns A singular shape or motif can be beautiful in itself. Repeated over and over again, it can create a surface design and offer satisfaction – a relief of tension – both visually and emotionally.
- 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.
- Slow Art Tour & Meditation in the Galleries
Health and wellbeingSlow Art Tour & Meditation in the Galleries Celebrate Slow Art Day 2025 with a thoughtful exploration of selected artworks in the Chester Beatty’s collection.
- Chester Beatty Biblical Papyri
Free things to doChester Beatty Biblical Papyri In the 1930s, Chester Beatty purchased Greek biblical papyrus codices from antiquities dealers in Egypt. Most of these dated to the 3rd century. Letters of St. Paul, Gospels and Acts are among the earliest surviving copies of New Testament books.
- Creative Lab for Teens: Origami Pencil Case
Family funCreative Lab for Teens: Origami Pencil Case This Easter break, join Chester Beatty and learn how in a few simple folds you can create an amazing pencil holder.
- Silk Worm Families Drop-in: Paper Flower Crowns
Family funSilk Worm Families Drop-in: Paper Flower Crowns To celebrate Earth Day ‘Our Power/ Our Planet!’, join Chester Beatty to create your very own paper flower crown inspired by the world around us.
Enjoy a yoga or Qigong class on the lovely rooftop.
