Discover an exciting new space - the Dead Zoo Lab - this summer at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Dublin 7.

The Dead Zoo Lab at Collins Barracks offers members of the public an opportunity to explore, engage with and enjoy some of the most popular specimens from the natural history collection, as well as some specimens that haven’t been on display for many years, while the Natural History Museum on Merrion Street is closed for much needed conservation and refurbishment works.

​At any one time approximately 1,300 objects will be on public display spanning entomology, geology, mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles, and a wide variety of marine life.

The National Museum of Ireland has the world’s largest collection of Blaschka glass models of marine life. These beautiful, delicate glass models were created in the 19th century by world renowned glass artisan father and son team Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka using intricate techniques.

A selection of these treasures, some of which have not been on display for generations, are also on display now at the Dead Zoo Lab at Collins Barracks.

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Parasite Tales

What if some of the most influential organisms on Earth are the ones we rarely see?

Parasite Tales is a temporary display in the Dead Zoo Lab that explores the hidden world of parasites and is an exciting collaboration with the Irish Society for Parasitology. Parasites are everywhere and can teach us about biodiversity, evolution, ecology, and health. This display focuses on parasitic worms, revealing their diversity and complexity. Ireland has played a significant role in advancing parasitology. Irish Nobel laureate William Campbell shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his role in developing life-saving anti-parasitic drugs. Visit Parasite Tales to discover a fascinating and often misunderstood world.

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Only Time Will Tell

Artist Brendan Earley has been undertaking a project in the natural history collections working with curators and collections to explore ideas of and around the processes of collecting, curating and communicating meaning through objects and their arrangement.

His installation Only Time Will Tell in the Dead Zoo Lab offers us a glimpse of his work.

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The Our Irish Natural History exhibit brought together research by voluntary history and heritage groups across Ireland. It represents an important and valued collaboration with the Irish Community Archive Network (iCAN), an initiative of the National Museum delivered in partnership with The Heritage Council and Heritage Officers in participating local authorities. This exhibition was on display from September 2025 to 25 May 2026

Learn more here:
Local research on natural history showcased in The Dead Zoo Lab | National Museum of Ireland

Find out more about iCAN here:
iCAN - the Irish Community Archive Network | National Museum of Ireland

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Ishmael Claxton’s temporary exhibit at Dead Zoo Lab (29 May – 7 June, 2026) formed part of the wider programme, presenting work developed through his exploration of the National Museum of Ireland.

Using blue-tinted film referencing duine gorm, his photographs offer a distinctive reinterpretation of the museum’s spaces shaped by his experience as an African-American living in Ireland. You can purchase his book of photography " Dead Zoo in Blue" from the Museum shop.

 

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Admission to the Dead Zoo Lab at Collins Barracks is free. Booking required for groups only. For information on upcoming public and schools programming please visit the Engage & Learn pages. Groups are welcome to visit the Dead Zoo Lab as part of their visit to Collins Barracks, but booking is essential.