Chester Beatty Library: A World of Art at Dublin Castle
With a collection as rich and historic as the Chester Beatty Library's, free admission to this national museum might come as a pleasant surprise to visitors. Woven into the fabric of Dublin Castle, itself a historical landmark dating back to Norman times, the the Chester Beatty Library's architecture melds airy modern design with staunchly historic grounds.
American mining magnate, later Ireland’s first honorary citizen, Alfred Chester Beatty bequeathed his collection to the Irish state after a lifetime of world travel and meticulous collection.
Open in its present location since 2000, the library serves as one of the largest – if not the largest – collections of Asian and Middle Eastern art and artifacts in Europe. More than three floors the library host extensive displays of manuscripts, statuary and illuminations. While generally a self-guided exhibition, free tours are run on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2:30 p.m., and while mostly open year round, the library is closed December 24-26, January 1 and all Monday bank holidays.
Two standing exhibits, “Sacred Traditions” and “Artistic Traditions”, serve as primary introductions, while regular exhibitions present fresh perspectives of the library’s resources. Each floor features dramatically lit, beautifully presented glimpses of ancient Islamic, Indian and Asian cultures. Central to the collection is the library’s catalogue of third century biblical papyri, part of a larger collection housed in the U.S.
In addition to the library’s art and texts, the building and surrounding grounds add extra dimension to any visit – especially on sunny days. A wide, sculpted green just outside the library’s front doors provides a bright escape for small visitors and sun lovers alike. Likewise, a hidden rooftop garden offers brilliant views of Dublin Castle’s inner landscape, away from noise and crowds below.
A perfect break from Dublin’s traditional tourist curriculum, the Chester Beatty Library is an art lover’s retreat in the heart of the city centre.
Posted on Mar 8, 2011 by Bridget Reilly
