National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts and History

The National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts and History is one of the four branches of the National Museum of Ireland: Decorative Arts and History, Country Life, Archaeology and Natural History.

The role of the Art & Industry division is to maintain Ireland’s heritage in the decorative arts, as well as its political, military and social history. Its primary aim is to promote a wider understanding of Ireland’s decorative arts, culture and historical heritage. Other responsibilities include promoting Ireland’s contribution to European decorative arts and an understanding of international cultural heritage. It is estimated that the Art & Industry collections consist of 150,000 objects.

The National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts and History holds regular temporary exhibitions and learning programmes.

The site of the National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts and History, Collins Barracks, formerly known as the Royal Barracks, is believed to have been the longest serving army base in the world. The Irish Army moved out in 1997 before the site was renovated and taken over by the
museum.