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 at the Rooftop Garden
WinterQigong at the Rooftop Garden Qigong is a traditional Chinese form of meditation, co-ordinating slow movement, deep rhythmic breathing and a calm state of mind.
- Drop-in Drawing with Roxana Manouchehri
WinterDrop-in Drawing with Roxana Manouchehri Join a free drop-in art drawing activity at Chester Beatty, Dublin with artist Roxana Manouchehri this winter.
- Turais i nGaeilge (Highlights tour in Irish) at Chester Beatty
WinterTurais 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.
- Silk Worm Families Drop-in: Christmas Ornaments
WinterSilk Worm Families Drop-in: Christmas Ornaments Join Chester Beatty and get into the festive spirit, creating your very own Christmas ornaments at this free, drop-in event.
- Talk: Messy Books Tell Stories
AutumnTalk: Messy Books Tell Stories Join a free Hybrid Talk from Professor Matthew Keegan, 'Messy Books Tell Stories' from Chester Beatty this December.
- Teens & Adults Drop-in Activity: Papermaking
WinterTeens & Adults Drop-in Activity: Papermaking Join Chester Beatty for a quick, free hands-on experience of papermaking with artist Martina La Trobe Bateman.
- Silk Worm Families Drop-in: Cantonese Flower Boards
WinterSilk Worm Families Drop-in: Cantonese Flower Boards Looking for a festive family activity this December? Join Cantonese in Ireland and make a mini flower board at Chester Beatty!
Enjoy a yoga or Qigong class on the lovely rooftop.






