The Ulster Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and science. Nestled in the Botanic Gardens of Belfast near Queen’s University, the museum has an impressive collection of art, artefacts, and natural specimens worldwide. Whether you are a local or a tourist, the Ulster Museum has something for everyone.
Getting to The Ulster Museum
By car
the Ulster Museum in Belfast can be easily reached via the M1 or M2 motorways. There is limited on-site parking available for visitors, accessible from the Stranmillis Embankment entrance.
By public transport
several bus routes serve the museum. Metro buses 8A, 8B, and 8C stop directly outside the museum on the Stranmillis Road. Additionally, Ulsterbus service 8 connects the museum to various locations in Belfast.
Alternatively, visitors can take a pleasant walk from the city center to the museum, which takes approximately 20-25 minutes.
Note: It is always recommended to check the latest transportation updates and parking availability before planning your visit to the Ulster Museum.
Opening Times:
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
It is closed on Mondays, except for public holidays and special events.
Entry Costs:
Admission to the Ulster Museum is free of charge.
However, some temporary exhibitions or special events may be associated with fees.
Additional Details:
The museum offers various exhibits, including art, history, and natural sciences, showcasing Northern Ireland’s rich cultural heritage.
Visitors can explore interactive displays, archaeological treasures, and significant artworks.
The museum also features a café (Pym café on the ground floor) and a gift shop for visitors to enjoy.
Accessibility options are available, including wheelchair access, accessible parking, and audio guides.
Guided tours, workshops, and educational programs are offered for individuals and groups.
The Museum’s Collections
The Ulster Museum is a treasure trove of fascinating artefacts, art, and specimens worldwide. The museum’s collections are divided into four main categories, each offering a unique glimpse into our world’s rich history and diverse cultures.
Art and Sculpture
The art and sculpture collection at the Ulster Museum is a must-see for any art lover. With works by some of the most famous artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, the collection showcases the diversity of contemporary art. Visitors can view stunning paintings, sculptures, and installations by artists such as Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud, and Andy Warhol, among many others. The collection also includes works by local artists, providing a glimpse into Northern Ireland’s vibrant art scene.
Archaeology and History
The archaeology and history collection at the Ulster Museum is a fascinating journey through time. Visitors can view artefacts from ancient civilizations and historical periods, including pottery, weapons, and tools from the Bronze Age. The collection also includes objects from Egypt, Greece, and Rome, providing a glimpse into the lives of these ancient cultures. In addition, visitors can explore objects from more recent history, including those from the Troubles in Northern Ireland, offering insight into the region’s complex past.
Natural Sciences
The natural sciences collection at the Ulster Museum is a wonderland of discovery for nature lovers. Visitors can view specimens of animals, plants, and minerals worldwide, including examples of extinct creatures such as dinosaurs and giant sloths. The collection also includes live animals such as insects, reptiles, and fish, providing an up-close look at the diversity of life on our planet. Additionally, visitors can explore a variety of rocks, fossils, and gems, offering a window into the fascinating world of geology.
World Cultures
The world cultures collection at the Ulster Museum celebrates human creativity and expression. Visitors can view artefacts and objects from cultures worldwide, including masks, textiles, and ceramics. The collection also includes objects from indigenous cultures from the Americas, Africa, and Oceania, providing a glimpse into the traditions and beliefs of these diverse cultures. Whether you’re interested in art, history, science, or culture, the Ulster Museum’s collections offer something for everyone.
Notable Exhibits and Highlights
The Ulster Museum has many notable exhibits and highlights that visitors should not miss. In addition to the exhibits mentioned, several other fascinating displays are well worth a visit. Here are just a few:
The Troubles and Beyond
This exhibit explores the history of the conflict in Northern Ireland, known as “The Troubles.” Visitors can learn about the political and social factors that led to the conflict and the impact it had on the people of Northern Ireland. The exhibit also examines the peace process and the ongoing efforts to build a more peaceful and inclusive society.
The Nature Zone
The Nature Zone is a hands-on exhibit that allows visitors to explore the natural world of Northern Ireland. The exhibit includes interactive displays on geology, climate, and biodiversity. Visitors can also see live animals, including reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
The Irish Elk
The Irish Elk is a massive prehistoric animal that roamed Ireland and other parts of Europe during the last Ice Age. The museum has a complete skeleton of an Irish Elk and information about the animal’s biology and behaviour.
The Troubles Art Collection
This collection of art and artefacts documents people’s experiences living through the Troubles. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, and other works by artists who lived and worked in Northern Ireland during the conflict. Visitors can learn how art was used to express political and social messages during this time.
The Ulster Folk Museum
The Ulster Folk Museum is a separate site run by the Ulster Museum. It is a history museum that allows visitors to revisit and experience life in rural Ulster in the early 20th century. The museum includes historic buildings, such as farmhouses and schools, and costumed interpreters who demonstrate traditional crafts and activities.
The Game of Thrones Tapestry
The Game of Thrones Tapestry is a massive embroidered artwork that tells the story of the hit HBO series. The tapestry is over 80 meters long and features scenes and characters from all eight seasons. Visitors can see the tapestry up close and learn about creating such a detailed and intricate work of art.
The Ulster Museum Shop
The Ulster Museum Shop is great for finding unique gifts and souvenirs. The shop sells many items, including books, jewellery, and artwork, all inspired by the museum’s collections and exhibits. Visitors can take home a piece of Northern Irish history and culture.
With so much to see and do, a visit to the Ulster Museum is a must for anyone interested in the history, culture, and natural beauty of Northern Ireland.
Temporary Exhibitions and Events
The Ulster Museum is a hub of activity, not just for its permanent collections but also for its temporary exhibitions and events. The museum is known for its diverse exhibitions, catering to all interests and age groups.
Past Noteworthy Exhibitions
The Ulster Museum has a rich history of hosting noteworthy exhibitions that have left a lasting impression on visitors. One such exhibition was a retrospective of the works of Francis Bacon, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. The exhibition showcased some of Bacon’s most famous works, including his haunting and unsettling portraits.
Another exhibition that drew crowds explored the story of the Titanic. Visitors could learn about the ship’s construction, the people who built it, and the tragic events that led to its sinking. The exhibition was a moving tribute to the lives lost on that fateful day.
Botanic Gardens
The Belfast Botanic Gardens, located in the heart of Belfast, county Antrim is one of northern Ireland’s treasures. This beautiful green oasis entices visitors with its vibrant flora and enchanting ambience. Spread across 28 acres, these meticulously landscaped gardens offer a delightful escape from the bustling city.
The highlight of Belfast’s Botanic Gardens is undoubtedly the Palm House, a magnificent glasshouse resembling the Crystal Palace in London. Step inside and be greeted by a tropical paradise filled with exotic plants and vibrant blooms worldwide. The Tropical Ravine, another stunning glasshouse, takes you on a journey through lush ferns, banana plants, and cascading waterfalls.
Wandering through the gardens, you’ll encounter picturesque rose gardens, vibrant flowerbeds, and serene ponds. The Herbaceous Borders display an array of colourful perennials, while the Rock Garden offers a tranquil retreat with its charming water features and alpine plants.
The gardens also boast an impressive collection of mature trees, including the notable Drummond’s Redwood, one of the tallest trees in Belfast. The Japanese Garden provides a tranquil setting for contemplation, featuring a pagoda, bridges, and carefully sculpted bonsai trees.
Throughout the year, the Belfast Botanic Gardens host various events and exhibitions, including horticultural shows and summer concerts, attracting locals and tourists alike.
A visit to the Belfast Botanic Gardens is incomplete without exploring the adjacent Ulster Museum. Located within the gardens, the museum showcases an extensive collection of art, history, and natural science exhibits, offering a fascinating glimpse into Northern Ireland’s rich cultural heritage and national museums.
In conclusion, the Belfast Botanic Gardens is a horticultural gem in the heart of Belfast, offering visitors a breathtaking array of botanical delights. From iconic glasshouses to serene gardens and remarkable trees, this idyllic haven promises a memorable experience for nature enthusiasts and culture lovers alike.
A Brief History of the Ulster Museum
The origins of the Ulster Museum date back to the mid-19th century when a group of Belfast citizens formed the Belfast Natural History and Philosophical Society. The society began to collect specimens for a museum, which opened to the public in 1833. The museum was initially located in a small room in the Belfast Academical Institution, but it quickly outgrew this space, and a new location was needed.
By the late 1800s, the museum had amassed an impressive collection of history and natural sciences worldwide, including rare fossils, taxidermy animals, and cultural artefacts. The museum’s collections continued growing, and by the early 1900s, a larger building was needed to house the modern masterpieces.
The Origins of the Museum
The Ulster Museum was founded to provide a place for the public to view specimens of the natural world and cultural artefacts. The founders wanted to create a place where people could learn about the world and its many wonders. Today, the museum continues to embody this vision, and its collections offer a glimpse into the history and diversity of the natural and cultural world.
One of the most significant collections at the Ulster Museum is the Irish Elk Collection. The Irish Elk was a massive deer that lived during the last ice age. The museum’s collection includes several well-preserved skeletons of this impressive animal, which stood over seven feet tall at the shoulder.
Significant Milestones in the Museum’s History
Over the years, the Ulster Museum has undergone many changes and improvements. In 1929, a new building was completed in the beautiful surroundings of the Botanic Gardens, the current home of the Ulster Museum. The new building was designed to accommodate the museum’s growing collections and provide visitors with a modern, spacious environment.
During the Troubles, the museum was closed for several years due to security concerns. However, in 1971, the museum reopened with expanded galleries and exhibits. The new galleries included Irish history, art, and natural sciences displays.
In 2009, the museum underwent a major renovation, adding new galleries and updating existing exhibits to make them more interactive and engaging. One of the most popular new exhibits is the “Window on Our World” gallery, which features a giant screen that displays high-definition images of the natural world, including animals, plants, and landscapes from around the globe.
The Modern Ulster Museum
The Ulster Museum is a modern facility that offers visitors a wide range of exhibits, interactive displays, and activities. The museum has several galleries, including art and sculpture, archaeology and history, natural sciences, and world cultures. Each gallery offers new perspectives on the world and its many wonders.
One of the most popular exhibits at the museum is the “Troubles Gallery,” which explores the history of the conflict in Northern Ireland. The gallery features a range of artefacts, including weapons, clothing, and personal items, as well as video and audio recordings of people who lived through the Troubles.
The Ulster Museum is also home to a modern and contemporary art collection, including works by Irish artists such as John Luke and William Conor. The museum’s art galleries feature a range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, and photography.
Overall, the Ulster Museum is a fascinating and educational destination for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re interested in natural history, art, or history, this impressive museum has something for everyone.
