Ireland’s newest museum brings to life 300 years of city living in Dublin

The museum was officially opened on Friday.

A new museum telling the story of 300 years of city living in Dublin was opened to the public on Friday, which aims to deepen understanding of the history of urban life and housing in Ireland. Officially opened on Friday by Lord Mayor of Dublin, Nial Ring and Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan TD, 14 Henrietta Street will tell the story of the building’s shifting fortunes, from the splendour of its Georgian origins in the 1700s, to a tenement building from the 1880s to the 1970s. Set in a Georgian townhouse in the north inner city, the museum houses the stories, personal experiences and objects of former residents of the tenements, coupled with ongoing social and architectural history research in an effort to gather, interpret and preserve Dublin’s tenement history. Tour guides accompany visitors through three floors of the Dublin City Council-owned building, revealing the building’s many stories, told through the walls of the house itself, recreated immersive rooms, audio and film. Commenting at the launch, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Nial Ring, said: “From Georgian townhouse to tenement dwellings, 14 Henrietta Street is a very important thread in the fabric of Dublin city, and one that Dublin City Council has shown a long commitment to not only preserving, but returning to the public as a memory-keeper. “Dublin City Council acted to rescue this building more than a decade ago and huge work has been carried out over that time to stabilise, preserve and restore what was a derelict building. The idea to turn it into a museum of the city’s social history, tracing its use from a fashionable Georgian townhouse to tenement dwellings, became a reality when planning permission was secured in 2015 and it is fantastic to see what has been achieved in that short period of time. “Reflecting its latter day use as tenement dwellings, 14 Henrietta Street has given a voice to some of our city’s once forgotten citizens. It is very moving to hear that lived history of our city, told through the former residents of 14 Henrietta Street. I’m really proud to officially open 14 Henrietta Street today, after what has been an epic 10-year journey for Dublin City Council; and a 270-year adventure for this fine house.” 14 Henrietta Street is operated by the Dublin City Council Culture Company. From Saturday, 15 September, guided tours will take place on the hour, five days a week, from 10am to 4pm Wednesday to Saturday and from noon to 4pm on Sundays. Tickets cost €9 adult/€6 concession and are available from www.14henriettastreet.ie. Advance booking is recommended. Group bookings are available.