The Little Museum of Dublin reopens after €4.3m makeover

The Little Museum of Dublin has reopened after undergoing a €4.3 million makeover.

The St Stephen's Green attraction will officially open to the public again on Thursday with thousands of artefacts telling the story of the city, from a model of the Dart to old phones and U2 memorabilia.

Visitors can look forward to enjoying an expanded and reimagined exhibition space, a new reception area, a new youth education space, an integrated lift to improve accessibility, a sun-trap patio and an enriched collection of artefacts donated by the people of Ireland.

The museum will open seven days a week from 9.30am-5.00pm offering guided tours every 40 minutes. In addition, a new daily walking tour, The Little Walking Tour of St Stephen’s Green, will take place each afternoon at 2.15pm.

The reimagining of the museum was part funded by Fáilte Ireland, along with the Department of Tourism and Culture, Dublin City Council, and corporate and individual funders.

Mary Stack from Fáilte Ireland said enhancing attractions like the Little Museum of Dublin delivers tangible economic benefits for the city.

"With projected visitor numbers expected to rise to over 215,000 annually by 2035, this redevelopment is set to generate an economic impact of €24.7 million over the next decade," she said.

"Fáilte Ireland is proud to have supported this transformative project, which ensures the museum remains a flagship destination in the capital and one that continues to inspire, educate, and contribute meaningfully to Dublin’s tourism economy."

Sarah Clancy, chief executive of the Little Museum of Dublin, said her team had managed to reimagine the museum for generations to come.

"We are so proud to be reopening our doors and welcoming guests back into our newly renovated and accessible museum at 15 St. Stephen’s Green," she said. "There are some incredible artefacts on display from the first ever medal awarded to William Deans under the states Bravery Act 1947, to Mary McAleese’s First Holy Communion Rosary beads donated by the President herself."

Emma Blain, Lord Mayor of Dublin, said: “I am delighted to see the Little Museum of Dublin on St Stephens Green reopen its doors after two years. It is such a great addition to the city centre bringing Dublin to life in a very real way."