A Question of Love at the National Museum of Ireland
In the spirit of Saint Valentine, embark on a romantic journey through the ages and take an affectionate look at all things governed by the heart at the National Museum of Ireland.
Ramble down memory lane and see how love was expressed in days gone by. Friendship rings, wedding gowns and gloves, scent bottles with hidden secrets, all await your admiring glances.
While at the Museum, why not share a coffee and a tasty treat in the Museum cafés or when looking for a gift for a loved one, visit the Museum shops where many charming gifts are available, including a silver Harvest Love Knot lapel pin for only €15.
Admission is free.
For further press information please contact:
Elizabeth Evensen
Marketing Department, National Museum of Ireland
Tel: 01 - 648 6427 Mob: 087 9031690
E-Mail: eevensen@museum.ie
Website: www.museum.ie
Notes to Editor
· Harvest Knot or Love Token. Traditionally these knots were made from straw to give to a loved one.
· Items on display in the permanent collections include:
o Wedding rings in The Way We Wore – Jewellery gallery
o A bronze figure of Venus and Cupid in the Out of Storage collection.
o Wedding gowns in The Way We Wore – Clothing gallery.
o A hair hurling ball in Curator’s Choice – in times past, these balls were made as tokens of affection by both newly married and young single women of the community and presented as gifts to the young hurlers for Mayday hurling contests.
Listings information
National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks
Saturday 14th February 12pm
Adult Gallery Talk: The Romance of Jewellery: a short history of chatelaines
Talk by Jennifer Lawlor, Jewellery Designer and Historian, in The Way We Wore: Irish clothing & Jewellery.
Sunday 15th February 3pm–4pm
My Museum Programme: Storytelling for Valentines Age 6+
A special storytelling event with Jack Lynch for the season of love.
National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology, Kildare Street
Saturday 14th February 2pm–4pm
Art Workshop: Shot through the Heart! Age 7–12
Be inspired by Cupid, the Roman god of love. Make your own magic bow and quiver of love arrows to mark this special day. Booking is essential.
National Museum of Ireland – Natural History (events held at Kildare Street)
Saturday 14th February 12pm–3pm
Natural Mystery – Valentine’s Special All Ages
Come and see the Natural History’s handling collection. See some familiar and some unfamiliar items. Put on your thinking hats and see if you can guess what they are.