Dublin Sights

Chester Beatty Library

#14 of 629 things to do in Dublin

#32 of 2420 things to do in Ireland

1 reviews | Write a review

  • Address
    • Ship St Cork Hill Dublin Castle
  • Transport
    • 50, 51b, 77, 78a, 123
  • Website
  • Phone
    • 01 407 0750
  • Price
    • admission free
  • Hours
    • 10am-5pm Mon-Fri, 11am-5pm Sat, 1-5pm Sun, closed Mon Oct-Apr, free tours 1pm Wed, 3pm & 4pm Sun

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Lonely Planet review for Chester Beatty Library

The astounding collection of New York mining magnate Sir Alfred Chester Beatty (1875–1968) is the basis for not just one of Dublin’s best museums, but one of the finest of its kind to be found anywhere in the world. Inside you’ll find manuscripts, miniature paintings, books, bindings and calligraphies – including maybe the West’s most stunning collection of Korans – and the world’s second-oldest biblical fragment.

 

Traveller reviews for Chester Beatty Library (1)

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    Small but incredible

    eyeseverchanging recommends this,

    If you're looking for a museum to wander around for a day, this isn't for you. However, the museum offers an incredibly in-depth look at whatever happens to be on display. When I visited, Chinese Narrative and Figure Paintings and an exhibition entitled MANI: The Lost Religion of Light, were the two temporary exhibits. The Chinese Paintings were intriguing, not only for the pure skill needed for them to be created, but for the stories they told and the figures they represented, which was posted next to each piece. The MANI exhibit told of a mostly lost religion, that rivalled the popularity of Christianity at the time, the history of which has been recovered thanks to the hands of skilled conservationists. Excerpts from the text are on display as well as some ancient pages.
    The permanent exhibit - Sacred Traditions - is astounding. It explores the great religions of our world - including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. I was glad to see the exhibition space fairly balanced between them. The texts, art, and pure information on display leaves the visitor with a greater sense of understanding and respect for the systems and their history.
    Definitely recommended for those interested in human culture.

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