VISITOR ATTRACTION: current status of Dublin’s Natural History Museum

The National Museum of Ireland – Natural History, located on Merrion Street in Dublin, is a historic institution affectionately nicknamed the “Dead Zoo” for its vast collection of taxidermy and zoological specimens. However, as of September 2, 2024, the museum has closed its doors to the public for a major refurbishment project to preserve the 168-year-old building and its collections.

Opened in 1857, the museum is a Victorian “cabinet-style” institution, largely unchanged for over a century, earning its reputation as a “museum of a museum.” It housed approximately 10,000 of its 2m zoological specimens, showcasing Ireland’s fauna and global wildlife across four floors (though only the ground and first floors were accessible in recent years due to safety concerns).

Ground Floor (Irish Fauna): Visitors encountered skeletons of the extinct Giant Irish Deer (Megaloceros giganteus), which roamed Ireland over 10,500 years ago, alongside taxidermied badgers, peregrine falcons, owls, trout, and a rare lobster. A captivating 1911 diorama of a badger family and displays of native insects and molluscs highlighted Ireland’s biodiversity.
First Floor (Mammals of the World): This floor featured international specimens, including American bison, monkeys, deer, giraffes, bats, and the beloved Spoticus the Giraffe. The Blaschka Collection of glass marine life models was a highlight, showcasing intricate craftsmanship.
The museum’s Victorian ambiance, with polished wood, brass fittings, and glass cases, offered a nostalgic, educational experience. The free admission made it one of Dublin’s best budget-friendly attractions, ideal for families and history enthusiasts. A typical visit lasted 45–60 minutes, with knowledgeable staff available to answer questions.

Educational and Cultural Significance:

Learning Opportunities: The museum educated visitors about Ireland’s post-Ice Age wildlife, including extinct species like woolly mammoths and spotted hyenas, supported by archaeological evidence. It also served as a filming location for period dramas like Ripper Street and Penny Dreadful due to its preserved Victorian aesthetic.
Events and Programmes: Before closure, the museum hosted events like Darwin Day and offered school programmes, with Education Packs for students. Virtual tours were available online, allowing global access to the collections.
Accessibility and Amenities: Situated in Dublin 2 near Saint Stephen’s Green, the museum was easily accessible by bus (lines 7B, 7D, 10, 11, 14, 15, etc.), Luas, or a 10-minute walk from Merrion Square. No on-site parking was available, but pay-and-display spaces existed nearby on Merrion Square, Dawson Street, and Saint Stephen’s Green.
Facilities: The museum was free to enter, with accessible toilets on the ground floor and a shop selling souvenirs like books and postcards. Blue badge parking spaces were available for visitors with mobility needs.
Strengths: Visitors loved the free entry, the charm of the Victorian setting, and standout exhibits like the Giant Irish Deer and Spoticus the Giraffe. The museum was praised for sparking curiosity in children and adults alike.
Challenges: Some found the displays outdated or repetitive compared to modern natural history museums, with limited interpretive signage. The upper floors’ closure since 2007 (due to insufficient emergency exits) disappointed those expecting a larger experience.

Closure

The National Museum of Ireland – Natural History was closed to the public as of September 2, 2024, for a comprehensive refurbishment to address structural issues like a drafty, leaky building and lack of accessibility for mobility-impaired visitors. The project, led by architects Fitzgerald Kavanagh & Partners in partnership with the Office of Public Works, aims to conserve the 1856 building and its collections for future generations. The closure will last several years, with no confirmed reopening date, as the scope, duration, and cost depend on ongoing investigative works.
During this period, the museum’s 10,000 specimens, including taxidermied animals and delicate Blaschka glass models, are being carefully packed and moved to the National Museum’s storage facility in Swords, Co. Dublin, or to a new temporary exhibition space.

What’s New:

Dead Zoo Lab at Collins Barracks: To keep the collection accessible during the refurbishment, the National Museum of Ireland is launching the “Dead Zoo Lab” at the Riding School in the National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History at Collins Barracks, Dublin 7, opening in Spring 2025.
What to Expect: The Dead Zoo Lab will display favorite specimens like Spoticus the Giraffe and the Giant Irish Deer, alongside items not previously exhibited, such as additional Blaschka glass models of marine life. It will offer an interactive, educational experience, including behind-the-scenes insights into conservation efforts.
Tours and Programmes: Guided tours of the Dead Zoo Lab will be available starting in Spring 2025, with booking details to be announced. Visitors can sign up for the museum’s newsletter for updates. The Lab will also host school programmes, continuing the museum’s educational mission.
This temporary space aims to maintain public engagement with the collection, offering a fresh perspective on specimens in a new setting. It’s ideal for those who missed the Merrion Street museum or want to see previously stored items.

Virtual Tour Availability:

The museum’s virtual tour, accessible via www.museum.ie, remains available, allowing visitors worldwide to explore the Merrion Street building and its exhibits digitally. This is a valuable alternative for those unable to visit the Dead Zoo Lab.
The refurbishment project will preserve the museum’s Victorian character while improving accessibility and environmental controls. Updates on the project’s progress will be shared via the museum’s website and newsletter, keeping visitors informed about the future reopening.
Tips: Sign up for the museum’s newsletter for Dead Zoo Lab updates. Use public transport (buses or Luas to Collins Barracks) due to limited parking. Explore nearby attractions like the National Gallery of Ireland or Saint Stephen’s Green for a full day in Dublin. For virtual engagement, access the online tour to preview the collection.
Collins Barracks is accessible by public transport and offers facilities like accessible toilets. Contact bookings@museum.ie for group bookings or accessibility inquiries.

National Museum of Ireland – Natural History is closed for a major refurbishment, but visitors can engage with its collections through the new Dead Zoo Lab at Collins Barracks, opening in Spring 2025. This temporary space will feature iconic specimens, new displays, and educational programmes, ensuring the “Dead Zoo” remains accessible. Virtual tours and school programmes further enhance engagement. For updates, visit www.museum.ie or contact bookings@museum.ie.