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Chester Beatty Library

Clock Tower Building | Dublin Castle, Dublin 2, Ireland (South City Centre)
353 1 407 0750
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Ranked #7 of 227 attractions in Dublin
Type: Libraries, Museums
Owner description: Situated in the heart of Ireland's capital city, the Chester Beatty Library is an art museum and library which houses the great collection of... more » Owner description: Situated in the heart of Ireland's capital city, the Chester Beatty Library is an art museum and library which houses the great collection of manuscripts, miniature paintings, prints, drawings, rare books and some decorative arts assembled by Sir Alfred Chester Beatty (1875-1968). The Library's exhibitions open a window on the artistic treasures of the great cultures and religions of the world. Its rich collection from countries across Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe offers visitors a visual feast. Chester Beatty Library was named Irish Museum of the year in 2000 and was awarded the title European Museum of the Year in 2002. « less
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570 reviews from our community

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Krakow, Poland
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
22 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 24, 2013 NEW

The temporary exhibition dealt with "the art of book" across the continents and it was really marvellous to see. Additionally, it has a fine painting gallery. And it is free.

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See 6 more reviews by Etsi_Ketsi1 for Dublin
bucks
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 24, 2013 NEW

This place is well worth a visit ,its such a beautiful building and what an amazing man Chester Beatty was plus its free !

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Dublin
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 24, 2013 NEW

This collection is mainly early and rare forms of books, including fragments of the gospels, very early Qu'rans and artefacts relating to world religions. It is presented in a flowing intelligent and non-opinionated way that celebrates the contributions to world culture made by the artists and calligraphers of the past. The elements of the world's major religions, Islam, Chritianity, Bhuddism... More

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MARSHALLTOWN
Top Contributor
262 reviews 262 reviews
179 attraction reviews
Reviews in 87 cities Reviews in 87 cities
365 helpful votes 365 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 21, 2013 NEW

He was a rich American expat who collected books, mainly religious, including extensive Islamic items. The religion section was thoughtfully presented, although of the monotheistic religions it featured extensive Christianity and Islam, with a single small display of Judaica. This suggests he was an anti-Semite.

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See 9 more reviews by efsch for Dublin
Mary D, Public Relations Manager at Chester Beatty Library, responded to this review
May 24, 2013

Many thanks for your review of the Library Chester Beatty was one of the greatest collectors of all time. His approach as a collector, as a businessman and in his personal life, was to engage with scholars, colleagues and friends in all walks of life and of all nations and religions. Indeed, his donation of his Collections to the Irish... More

Tokyo, Japan
Top Contributor
63 reviews 63 reviews
31 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 20, 2013 NEW

Dublin Castle is closed for some renovations, so you need to walk around to the back to get into the Library. Worth the effort, though! This is a jewel of a museum - not really a library in the sense of the Long Room or Marsh's Library, but beautiful exhibits. Just two floors, so you won't spend al day. Still,... More

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See 13 more reviews by ideheights for Dublin
Manassas, Virginia
Senior Contributor
31 reviews 31 reviews
12 attraction reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 19, 2013 NEW

We saw the presentation on book making at the book of Kells not 2 hours before coming to the museum. It was interesting hearing the asian version of the process. The best piece in the place is the oriental embroidered robe. It is magnificent

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See 2 more reviews by VAtravelingmom for Dublin
Rennes, France
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 16, 2013

The Chester Beatty Library has an amazing collection of illustrated and illuminated manuscripts from Asia, the Middle East, and Europe (and it's free to visit!). The exhibits are well laid out and are interesting as well as informative. I loved it so much I spent several hours here one morning and could barely pry myself away to go outside and... More

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See 2 more reviews by Jque22 for Dublin
OKC
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 15, 2013

Free admission and a great historic collection of religious artifacts and paintings makes this place worth your time. Check it out!

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See 4 more reviews by Theguywiththehat001 for Dublin
Brookline, Massachusetts
Top Contributor
66 reviews 66 reviews
36 attraction reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 15, 2013

Very nice collection of artifacts. I was just surprised how modern the building was. Was expecting something much older since it's within Dublin Castle enclosure.

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See 3 more reviews by MHD50 for Dublin
England
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 10, 2013

A fascinating and eclectic collection of books and similar artifacts including some incredibly old papyrus fragments of the gospels, which should impress even the most ardent athiest. Well worth a visit.

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See 4 more reviews by Inspector71 for Dublin

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