Detailed design phase for redevelopment of the National Museum of Ireland - Natural History to commence

The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, has announced (4 January) her approval for the commencement of the design phase of the National Museum of Ireland - Natural History redevelopment project.

This is a flagship project in the Minister’s programme of investments under the National Development Plan, which will see many of our much-loved National Cultural Institutions restored, renewed and future-proofed for generations to come. A particular focus of the project at the Natural History Museum is to address long-standing issues with accessibility, to conserve the historic building fabric, and to enhance the visitor experience to tell important stories of our biodiversity and to showcase the unique heritage building.

The National Museum of Ireland - Natural History redevelopment project now moves to the commencement of the design phase of the process. This phase of the project is being delivered by a partnership between the National Museum of Ireland and the Office of Public Works, and the tender process to appoint a Design Team to deliver this next phase of the project will be launched in 2023. This stage of the project will deliver the following:

• a comprehensive refurbishment of the Museum which will meet best practise sustainability and environmental control standards
• improved collections care, collections management and stewardship
• address accessibility issues including lifts, internal staircases and upper balcony areas
• create additional education, exhibition and multi-functional spaces within the historic building
• protect and restore the historic building fabric and enhance compliance with fire, health and safety regulations

This project is in addition to the OPW project to conserve and restore the roof of the building and which has been facilitated by the recent decant of some of the collections, including the iconic whale skeletons.