Chester Beatty

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Chester Beatty Renowned museum of East Asian, Middle Eastern and European art, books and manuscripts located in Dublin. Closed to the public until 2027. Registered Charity No.
(371)

Explore digital galleries at chesterbeatty.ie! All collection images © Trustees of the Chester Beatty Library With FREE admission and described by the Lonely Planet as 'not just the best museum in Dublin, but one of the best in Europe', the Chester Beatty is a must-see on any Dublin visitor's itinerary. As the only museum in Ireland to win 'European Museum of the Year' and rated consistently in the top 5 of TripAdvisor’s list of ‘Top things to do in Dublin', the museum's rich collections from countries across Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe open a window on the artistic treasures of the great cultures and religions of the world. CHY 5879

Can you read the text on this papyrus? 🤔Interesting... because nobody else can.This papyrus fragment probably originated...
16/10/2026

Can you read the text on this papyrus? 🤔

Interesting... because nobody else can.

This papyrus fragment probably originated in Egypt, and is covered in what looks like 9th century Arabic script. Except it isn't. Nearly all of these inky lines are pseudo-script: a piece of text or series of symbols which mimics real writing, but is actually unreadable.

Only one part of this fragment is currently understood. The first line really is written in Arabic, and contains the basmala, one of the most important phrases in Islam. The following 17 lines borrow the style of Arabic letters, but as soon as you look closer, the marks become unrecognisable as known words.

There are multiple pseudo-script papyri in the Chester Beatty collection. Some theorise that they're associated with magic - or that they're in written in code 🤯

What do you think? Could you be the person who cracks this historical mystery? 🔎

Images: CBL Is Pp7, Papyrus pseudo-script, imitating a written letter on medium brown papyrus, mounted on paper. Egypt, c. 800-900.

Join us this mid-term break to make striking decorative prints inspired by the poetry of Seamus Heaney and the comic mac...
15/10/2026

Join us this mid-term break to make striking decorative prints inspired by the poetry of Seamus Heaney and the comic macaroni prints from the Chester Beatty’s collection. This hands-on workshop introduces the art of printmaking using foam board, collage and natural textures. Design your own piece, then run it through a professional etching press to produce a bold, high-quality print to take home. No experience necessary – just bring creativity and curiosity.

🎟️FREE, booking required here: https://ow.ly/z1Je50ZVTJJ
Limited to 15 teens, aged 12–17 years.

In collaboration with National Library of Ireland, this workshop is taking place in Seamus Heaney: Listen Now Again exhibition centre.

A treat from our Indian collection for you ✨This sumptuous painted scene centres on Rama and Sita, the primary protagon...
13/10/2026

A treat from our Indian collection for you ✨

This sumptuous painted scene centres on Rama and Sita, the primary protagonists of the Ramayana, one of the most important Sanskrit texts. Here, this powerful avatar of the god Vishnu and his consort sit enthroned before an audience which includes Rama's brothers, his devoted follower Hanuman, the sage Narada, the bear Jambhavat, the demon Vibhisana, and the monkey king Sugriva.

'Rama and Sita enthroned' is a familiar sight in Indian art of this period, but the painting's intricate details and patterns would have taken time, showing great artistic care and patience 🖌️

❓Did you know that Rama and Sita are connected to Diwali, the religious festival of lights celebrated in India and beyond? If you didn't - or you'd just like to revisit the story, and history, of this famous festival - why not join our Zoom talk 'Diwali: The Light Within and the Light Without' on Wednesday November 4 at 6pm?

Digital tickets at our What's On link in bio 🕯️



Images: CBL In 70.3, Rama and Sita enthroned, Datia, India, late 18th century.

This is your reminder that the Education Department of the Chester Beatty is currently open to applications from suitabl...
12/10/2026

This is your reminder that the Education Department of the Chester Beatty is currently open to applications from suitable candidates for inclusion on a panel of Freelance Facilitators from January 2027.

If you're interested in being part of events and learning at the Chester Beatty, check our website for more details of the job spec and rates: https://chesterbeatty.ie/about/careers/vacancies/

Know someone who'd be perfect? Share this post with them!

Closing date 5pm on Friday 30 October 2026.

Join Heidi Campbell for a spooky examination through the Chester Beatty collection for Halloween. This dementia-inclusiv...
10/10/2026

Join Heidi Campbell for a spooky examination through the Chester Beatty collection for Halloween. This dementia-inclusive experience will examine images of witches, devils and monsters. Together we will explore and consider three exquisite yet spooky pieces of art.

🎟️ Free, booking essential here: https://ow.ly/5RAz50ZVTuj
This interactive discussion is limited to 10 participants.

As the days grow shorter and evenings draw us back indoors, it's a lovely time to slow down in the kitchen. 🍲📖Our new fo...
07/10/2026

As the days grow shorter and evenings draw us back indoors, it's a lovely time to slow down in the kitchen. 🍲📖

Our new food books travel far and wide, from the soulful, spiced recipes of Sufi Cuisine, to The Exile's Cookbook, a fascinating journey through medieval North African and Andalusian gastronomy, to the calm, plant-based dishes of Zen Vegan Food from a Zen Buddhist monk. And for something a little more playful, We Love Pizza celebrates everyone's favourite comfort food.

Whatever you're craving this autumn, there's a recipe (or a good read) waiting for you. 🍂

Available now in the Chester Beatty online shop.
https://ow.ly/GNBc50ZTrSa

06/10/2026

Discovering the West African Micro-Collection at the Chester Beatty

The Education Department of the Chester Beatty is now seeking applications from suitable candidates for inclusion on a p...
05/10/2026

The Education Department of the Chester Beatty is now seeking applications from suitable candidates for inclusion on a panel of Freelance Facilitators from January 2027. If you are interested to apply check our website for more details https://ow.ly/2MN950ZUx0u - the closing date is 5pm on Friday 30 October 2026

29/09/2026

This Friday: learn about the remarkable discovery of a 1,200 year old manuscript in our lunchtime talk.

“On Finding a Lost Copy of the Oldest English Poem” takes place at Seamus Heaney: Listen Now Again, Dublin 2, in association with the Chester Beatty, at 1pm on Friday October 2. Tickets €6.50, booking required 🎟️

Join Chester Beatty tour guide, Tom O’Regan for an illustrated talk exploring some of the highlights and stories from th...
29/09/2026

Join Chester Beatty tour guide, Tom O’Regan for an illustrated talk exploring some of the highlights and stories from the collection. Discover the origins of the museum, while learning about some of the fascinating treasures held in our extensive collection.
🎟️FREE, booking required here: https://ow.ly/s46z50ZSgUZ

In collaboration with Dublin City Libraries; this workshop is taking place in Charleville Mall Library.

Address

Dublin Castle
Dublin
D02AD92

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9:45am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9:45am - 8pm
Thursday 9:45am - 5:30pm
Friday 9:45am - 5:30pm
Saturday 9:45am - 5:30pm
Sunday 12pm - 5:30pm

Telephone

+35314070750

Website

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