NMI - Natural History
| County: | Co. Dublin |
| Tel: | 01-677 7444 |
| Fax: | 01-677 7450 |
| Email: | info@museum.ie |
The National Museum of Ireland: Natural History opened in 1857 as the museum of the Royal Dublin Society. It has deveoped as a cabinet style Zoological museum with animals from all over the world. The history of the collection extends over 2 centuries and has resulted in a rich variety of animals, many of which are now endangered or extinct.
Exhibitions in this Museum have changed little in style for over a century, adding to the charm and rarity of the national treasure. The tradition of collecting and research continues and only a fraction of the 2 million specimens are on display.
General Information
| Address: | Merrion Street, Dublin 2 |
|---|---|
| Telephone; | 01-677 7444 |
| Fax: | 01-677 7450 |
| Email: | info@museum.ie |
| Website: | http://www.museum.ie |
| Location: | Merrion Square, off St. Stephen’s Green |
| Season: | All Year (Closed Mondays, Christmas Day & Good Friday) |
| Open Times: | Tues-Sat: 10.00-17.00 Sunday: 14.00-17.00 |
| Booking Contact: | bookings@museum.ie |
| Manager: | Mr Seamus Lynam (Acting Director) |
| Entrance Fees: | Free Admission |
| Picnic Area: | No |
| Coach Parking: | No |
| Group Booking Necessary: | Yes |
| Car Parking: | No |
| Other: | http://www.facebook.com/HeritageIsland?ref=ts#!/pages/Dublin/National-Museum-of-Ireland/94907090068?ref=sgm |
May Events
Sat 12th to Sun 13th, 2.30-3.30pm
Performance The Zoo In My Garden
Simon thinks his garden is boring, but that's about to change. A strange guest has arrived and needs the boy's help. Join him on a journey of discovery through his back garden, for a tale of biodiversity, friendship and snoring sheds!
Booking essential. Held in Ceramics Room at Museum of Archaeology, Kildare Street.
Contact the Education Department at 01 6486316 or educationnh@museum.ie. For
details see www.museum.ie. Not wheelchair accessible. Part of the Public Engagement Programme for Dublin City of Science 2012. Families
Sat 19th to Sun 20th, 10am-5pm
Drop-in Activity
Native Species Weekend at Dublin Zoo
Visit our stand at Dublin Zoo to learn more about our native species.
Location: Dublin Zoo, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8.
Normal zoo admission rates apply, visit www.dublinzoo.ie for details.
All Ages
Sat 26th, 3-4pm
Tour Family Tour: Whale of a Time!
Fishy fun as we take an in-depth look at marine animals on this family tour, including the sharks and whales. No booking required. Wheelchair accessible. Families
The Dead Zoo
The Natural History Museum, also known as the Dead Zoo, was formally re-opened by Minister for Tourism Mary Hanafin after closing down for repair almost 3 years ago.
The 150-year-old museum was closed in July 2007 after a large section of stone staircase cracked and collapsed. The Office of Public Works and the Department of Arts Sports and Tourism at the time decided to undertake a €15 million refurbishment of the building. However, the plan was put on hold in December 2008 because of Government cutbacks and in early 2009 the decision was taken to carry out basic works to allow the museum to reopen.
Just under €500,000 was spent on upgrading the structure, including replacing the staircase to the first floor, improving visitor safety and providing better access facilities, including a ramp to the front door and wheelchair accessible toilets.The exhibits cover the animals of Ireland at ground level and mammals of the world on the first floor. Familiar favorites include the skeletons of 11,000-year-old giant deer, Spoticus the giraffe and whale skeletons suspended from the roof.
Ms Hanafin said she was glad the museum could remain free of charge and that in other countries ‘you would pay big money for facilities like this’.
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