Ulster Museum
Ulster
The Ulster Museum, situated in Belfast's Botanic Gardens, is Northern Ireland's largest museum with approximately 8,000 square meters of public display space. It houses diverse collections including fine and applied arts, archaeology, ethnography, natural sciences, and local history. The museum's exhibits span from prehistoric artifacts like the Malone Hoard and Viking treasures to modern and contemporary Irish art. The building is a notable example of Brutalist architecture, featuring an extension designed by Francis Pym. The museum also holds Ireland's only known dinosaur fossil bones and offers exhibitions on fashion, natural history, and the region's complex history, including the Troubles. It serves as a cultural hub encouraging creativity and understanding of shared humanity through its permanent and temporary exhibitions.
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Tip: Visit during weekdays outside of Monday closures for the best experience, as all National Museums Northern Ireland sites close on Mondays. Consider booking tickets in advance for special exhibitions like 'Ashes to Fashion' or 'Elisabeth Frink: Sculpture, Drawing, Print'. Check the official website for current exhibition status and temporary closures, such as the Art Gallery 5 closure. The museum offers events like 'Museum Late: Fashionably Late' for adults to explore after hours. Discounts may be available for groups, seniors, and students.
Interesting facts
- •The Ulster Museum holds Ireland's only known dinosaur fossil bones.
- •Its 1972 Brutalist extension by Francis Pym is considered a significant architectural work in Northern Ireland.
- •The museum's collections include the Malone Hoard of 19 polished Neolithic axe heads and the Downpatrick Hoard of Bronze Age gold jewellery.
- •Elisabeth Frink's 'Flying Figures' sculptures have been installed on the museum's exterior, marking their first appearance since 2023.
- •The museum maintains a natural history website named Habitas, supporting its scientific collections.
History
Founded in 1821 as the Belfast Natural History Society, the museum began exhibiting in 1833 and added an art gallery by 1890.
Originally named Belfast Municipal Museum and Art Gallery, it moved to its current Stranmillis location in 1929 with a building designed by James Cumming Wynne.
It was renamed the Ulster Museum in 1962 following the Museum Act and expanded in 1972 with a Brutalist extension by Francis Pym.
In 1998, it merged with other regional museums to form National Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland.
A major refurbishment took place between 2006 and 2009, modernizing the facility while sparking debate over changes to its architectural character.
Place Guide
Malone Hoard ExhibitNeolithic period
Displays 19 polished Neolithic axe heads discovered locally, illustrating early human craftsmanship in Northern Ireland.
Downpatrick Hoard GalleryBronze Age
Showcases Bronze Age gold jewellery, highlighting Ireland's rich prehistoric metalwork traditions.
Brutalist Extension1972
An architectural highlight designed by Francis Pym in 1972, featuring bold cubic projections and cantilevers, exemplifying Northern Ireland's Brutalist style.
Elisabeth Frink 'Flying Figures' Sculptures2023 installation
Iconic sculptures installed on the museum's façade, representing local legends and artistic heritage.
Natural History Collections
Includes extensive specimens of Irish birds, mammals, insects, plants, and fossils, supporting scientific research and public education.
Contact
Phone: 028 9044 0000