'Harnessing the power of regeneration' is the theme for Science Week 2024 and the NMI is delighted to present an exciting programme of events with something for all ages - from a giant Newt to Medieval manuscripts.
Science Week takes place each November in Ireland, celebrating science in our everyday lives. It is an initiative of Research Ireland (formerly Science Foundation Ireland) and the aim is to engage and inspire people of all ages with science, engineering and technology. This year, Science Week runs from 10 to 17 November.
See some of our highlight events for Science Week 2024
Turas Alf /Alf’s Journey
National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks
12th-13th November, 10am-5pm- School Groups & Community Groups
As part of Science Week 2024 the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks are hosting Turas Alf /Alf’s Journey by world-renowned Masters of Visual storytelling, Macnas. In partnership with Research Ireland, we are inviting schools and local community groups to stop by and say hello to Alf at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks (12th-13th November, 10am-5pm) as he prepares for his journey and to learn about the adventures of Alf the Newt.
General members of the public are welcome to join Alf on his journey through Dublin city centre on Thursday 14th November, accompanied by drummers, stilted beacons and a cohort of fire performers. This spectacular flaming cavalcade will wend through the city, starting at 19:30 from Capel Street across the River Liffey via Grattan Bridge, through Parliament Street and onwards to Dublin Castle for 20:30.
To book a schools or community group visit to see Alf, please contact bookings@museum.ie. Please note that due to an anticipated high level of demand, all school or community groups must book via the Bookings Office directly in advance of their visit.
Behind the Scenes: Conservation at the National Museum
Science Week - Special Public Tour
National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks
13th November, 2pm- General audience- All ages (Children must be accompanied by an adult)
Join us for a special, behind-the-scenes tour of the Conservation studios of the National Museum of Ireland.
Meet the team of people responsible for preserving the Museum's collections for years to come, learn all about the treatments an object goes through before being put on display, and explore the details of its history that emerge under the microscope.
This free public tour will begin in Reception at Collins Barracks at 2pm, Wednesday, 13th November.
This is a booked event with limited capacity. Please reserve your place here:
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/behind-the-scenes-conservation-at-the-national-museum-of-ireland-tickets-1044723194197
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Science Week Open Day: Investigating Artefacts and Manuscripts of Medieval Ireland
Saturday 16th November, 12pm-4pm, General audience- All ages
National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Discover the many different scientific techniques that are used to investigate archaeological artefacts and manuscripts.
Meet with Museum professionals, archaeologists, historians, conservators and scientists to see how these methods allow archaeologists to understand more about how these objects were made and used by the people of Medieval Ireland. Handle replica objects from Medieval Ireland and see how inks are made with Museum educators, practice some early medieval Irish writing with calligrapher Tim O’Neill, and discover more about Medieval Irish Manuscripts with researchers from the Inks and Skins Manuscripts Research project. Explore how scientific methods are used to research and conserve archaeological artefacts with Museum curators and conservators, and with archaeologists from the Discovery Programme.
This event is for all ages. This event will take place in the Ceramics Room, first floor, and is not wheelchair accessible.
Science Week Online with the Dead Zoo
Science Week, General audience- All ages
National Museum of Ireland- Natural History- Online
Have you ever wondered why people say the animals in the Dead Zoo are stuffed? Join us as we explore the artful science of taxidermy and learn how exactly animals at the NMI - Natural History are brought back to life.
Join us online for Science Week 2024 where we explore the wonderful mix of art and science that is taxidermy
Browse more upcoming events at the National Museum of Ireland