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Museum Building
Categories: Landmarks & Historical Buildings, Colleges & Universities [Edit]
Trinity College DublinCollege Green
Dublin 2
(01) 8961000
2 reviews for Museum Building
Architecturally this is probably the most impressive building in Trinity College. In Gothic revival style the building is amazingly ornate with animal/flower sculptures around all windows, doors and balconies. The polychromatic stone is also a treat to the eye.. however because of the stone (sandstone i think) it is very difficult to clean the building without damaging the stonework, and so the building often looks a little black in places.
But that is simply the exterior.. on the inside, if entering by the front door you will be greeted by a huge atrium which rises 4 floors to two mosaic domes with skylights at their centres. There is a grand double staircase and an amazing amount of design in the stone work that is, like the exterior, quite colourful.
This building is used by both the Geology and Engineering Depts of Trinity College. You will see an array of exhibits upon entering including the huge skeletons which can be a little unsettling. However it is not called the museum building for no reason. If you climb the stairs all the way to the attic floor there is infact a small museum for you to visit.. most people don't know it exists which is a shame.. however it is mainly for students since you are technically not allowed enter the building without a student card.
But you should anyway!
I spent four years in Trinity before I actually got to have classes in this building. I never really thought much of it until a friend over from Germany commented on it (and its purple windows!) and I realised it's actually really beautiful. Inside you're welcomed by the skeleton of an Irish elk, which can be quite startling if you're not prepared for it. The massive double staircase is dramatic to say the least, while the stones and geology stuff in the cabinets can be quite interesting. Not the best place to be if you're running up the (marble) staircase, late again for a lecture, but if you're around do stick your head in for a second...it's worth it!