Decorative Arts & History also includes the following exhibitions and collections listed below.

Many of the exhibitions have links to a range of curricula, including Junior and Senior Cycle History, Senior Cycle Art History, and other subjects such as Home Economics, Science, Geography and the Transistion Year Curriculum.

Remember, if you want to bring your class to the Museum on a self-directed visit, you must contact us to book in advance.

Follow these steps  to get the most out of a self-directed visit.

Out of Storage

A behind-the-scenes experience of museum storage. Five hundred pieces reflect the collecting policies of the museum through the years, from large pieces of medieval wooden sculpture to delicate pieces of finely worked lace. The Krater vase (left), made in Greece during 5th Century B.C., is one such item.

Use the What's in the Museum? Teachers' Resource Pack with your class in this gallery:

 What's In The Museum? Resource Pack  Whats in the Museum web.pdf (2.51 MB, Adobe PDF) 

Whats in the Museum? Resource Pack Post PrimaryWhats in the Museum PP.pdf (1.55 MB, Adobe PDF) 

This pack is for teachers bringing groups to Collins Barracks for a general introduction to the Museum. The pack contains 10 easy-to-follow factsheets for teachers to give their own tour of two of the galleries. The pack also provides curriculum links, a useful glossary and suggestions on things to talk about with your class as well as ideas for pre- and post-visit activities.

There are two versions of the pack - one for teachers at Primary level (4th – 6th class) and post primary (1st – 3rd year) but may be relevant to teachers of other age groups.

Take a look around:  Out of Storage Exhibition.

Irish Silver

The silver gallery traces the development of the silversmith's craft in Ireland from 17th century to the present. It includes silver acquired from many sources.

Take a look around: Irish Silver Exhibition and Metalwork Collection.

Irish Country Furniture

Everyday traditional furniture found in homes in Ireland over the last 300 years. Alongside are examples of traditional crafts such as basket-weaving and wood-turning.

Take a look around:Irish Country Furniture Exhibition and Furniture Collection

Irish Period Furniture

Furniture designed, made, or used in Ireland including pieces from the 17th century through to contemporary Crafts Council of Ireland pieces.

Take a look around: Irish Period Furniture Exhibition and Furniture Collection

A Dubliner's Collection of Asian Art: Albert Bender

Albert M. Bender (1866 - 1941) was born in Dublin, the son of Rabbi Philip Bender.

He collected and subsequent donated approximately 260 artefacts of mostly Chinese, Japanese and Tibetan origin.

Take a look around: The Albert Bender Exhibition

Irish Money & Medals

The history of Irish money reflects the countries changing political times and economic fortunes. Medals were used to promote merit in various fields, beginning with the Battle of the Boyne.

Take a look around: Airgead, A Thousand Years of Irish Coin and Currency Exhibition and Money and Medals : Numismatics Collection

Blaze Away: Duelling, Gun Makers & Sword Makers in 19th Century Ireland

This exhibition examines duelling in Ireland and the work of two Irish families who made swords and guns in Dublin in the 19th century.

Take a look around: Blaze Away: Duelling, Gun Makers & Swords Exhibition and Arms & Armour Collection

Franciscan Faith: Sacred Art in Ireland 1600-1750

This exhibition commemorates the work of the Franciscan Order in Ireland during the period 1600 - 1750.

Take a look around: Franciscan Faith: Sacred Art in Ireland 1600-1750 Exhibition