The National Museum of Ireland invites visitors to explore Dublin’s rich historical and architectural heritage with free tours, workshops, and trails for Open House Dublin 2024.
Proudly presented by the Irish Architecture Foundation, Open House Dublin is part of the Open House Worldwide international network of 50 organisations hosting festivals and conversations about architecture, design and cities across the globe from Lagos to Taipei, and New York to Santiago.
Highlight events include a Viking-themed workshop for children, a hands on design workshop for families on creating play spaces, and architectural tours of the Museum's buildings.
Open House Dublin takes place from 12 to 20 October 2024.
Here are five compelling reasons to visit the National Museum of Ireland during Open House Dublin 2024 and delve into the Museum’s fascinating architectural history.
1. Open House Junior Drop-In Workshop: At Home with the Vikings
10.30am-12.30pm | Saturday 12 October | Families 7+
National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Celebrate Open House with a Viking adventure at the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology. Step back over 1,000 years and discover the homes built by the Vikings who settled in Dublin. Drop into the Learning Resource Room to explore what Viking Dublin looked like—and even create your own Viking house to help build the city! FIND OUT MORE
2. Re-imagining Play at Collins Barracks
2pm - 4pm | Sunday 13 October | Families
National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
Are you crazy about climbing frames? Obsessed with slides? Or dream of designing the ultimate outdoor space? Now’s your chance to get creative with Reimagining Play at Collins Barracks! Join us for this fun, hands-on family workshop where you’ll sketch, design, and share your ideas for an outdoor space at the Museum. Learn basic architecture techniques and bring your imaginative playground ideas to life. FIND OUT MORE
3. Architectural Tour of Collins Barracks
2pm & 3pm | Sunday 20 October | All Ages Welcome
National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7
Curious about Collins Barracks? Join us for a special tour delving into the rich history and architecture of this iconic building! Once the largest purpose-built army barracks in Ireland and Britain, Collins Barracks holds over 300 years of history within its towering walls. Uncover the hidden secrets of its stone walls, explore the grand squares, and learn about the fascinating architectural quirks that make this historic site on the banks of the Liffey truly one-of-a-kind. FIND OUT MORE
4. Architectural History Trail of the National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology
During opening hours on from Saturday 12 to Sunday 20 October | All Ages Welcome
National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology, Kildare Street, Dublin 2.
Explore the Museum's rich architectural history with a special photography trail. Discover the origins and design features of this iconic building through fascinating pop-up displays. You'll see large photographs from the Museum’s grand opening in 1890 and original exhibition layouts from the early 1900s. It’s the perfect way to experience the beauty and history of one of Dublin’s most stunning landmarks. FIND OUT MORE
- Browse more upcoming events at the National Museum of Ireland
- The National Museum of Ireland - Natural History, Merrion Street, Dublin 2 is closed for refurbishment.