Chester Beatty Library

The museum's collections are displayed across two primary galleries: 'Sacred Traditions' and 'Arts of the Book'. These spaces exhibit a wide array of items including manuscripts, miniature paintings, prints, drawings, rare books, and decorative arts. The holdings are drawn from the Persian, Islamic, East Asian, and Western collections, showcasing the unique and shared traditions of countries across these regions. The displays highlight masterfully crafted calligraphy, illuminated manuscripts, and innovative printing techniques from East Asia, the Islamic world, and the Western world.

The Western Collection is a premier source for scholarship in both the Old and New Testaments, housing many illuminated manuscripts, rare books, and Old Master prints and drawings. A significant feature of this collection is its biblical texts written in diverse languages including Armenian, Church Slavonic, Coptic, Ge'ez, Greek, Latin, and Syriac. This linguistic variety ensures that the Christian material within the collection represents diverse cultural and geographical backgrounds, making it a critical resource for historical and theological study.

The museum's Islamic Collection is a major component of its holdings, though specific divisions are noted in scholarly descriptions. The Persian collection is particularly notable for containing various miniatures and manuscripts featuring the works of classical Persian poets. These items contribute to the museum's reputation for holding significant historical artifacts from the Middle East and Asia. The integration of these collections allows visitors to explore the artistic achievements and spiritual expressions of the Islamic and Persian worlds.

The East Asian Collection is distinguished by having one of the most extensive collections of carved snuff bottles in existence, many of which were included in specific catalogues. The museum also features Japanese artifacts such as the Scroll 3 of Genji Text and Pictures, known as Genji kotobae. Additionally, the collection includes Japanese netsuke shaped like the twelve zodiac animals, offering insights into the world of Japanese art and the zodiac traditions. These items highlight the museum's deep engagement with East Asian artistic traditions.

The Chester Beatty provides an engaging and welcoming space for visitors from Ireland and overseas, offering permanent and temporary displays alongside an intercultural learning programme. The museum organizes a broad variety of public activities designed for all ages and backgrounds, aiming to create opportunities for engagement with diverse cultures. Operational hours are typically Tuesday to Friday from 9:45 am to 5:30 pm, though access may be restricted during ongoing works within the Dublin Castle complex. Visitors can also explore the art of the museum online through the Online Collections digital library.