National Wax Museum Plus

About the museum

Wax museums have a long tradition in Dublin, and the museum describes itself as the successor of the first one, which was founded in the city in 1804. The modern National Wax Museum opened in 1983 on Granby Row near Parnell Square, where a giant figure of Cú Chulainn on the outside of the building and a tour through tunnels became familiar to generations of school groups.

The museum later moved to the Armoury building at Foster Place in Temple Bar, where it filled four floors and used basement vaults for scenes from Irish history and mythology. In 2017 it moved again, into the Lafayette Building at 22 to 25 Westmoreland Street, and was reworked as a more interactive attraction. The "Plus" in the name refers to the wider mix of displays that now sit alongside the traditional waxwork.

Today the visit leads through themed rooms: the Time Vaults of Irish History, Great Irish Writers, Irish Sports Legends, a Science and Discovery zone and an Enchanted Forest based on folklore, together with celebrity figures, fantasy worlds, heroes and villains, a mirror maze and a Chamber of Horrors. The museum is self-guided and also offers school tours, language school groups and a self-guided murder mystery.

Highlights

• Time Vaults of Irish History
• Great Irish Writers room
• Science and Discovery zone on Irish inventors and scientists
• Enchanted Forest with Irish folklore
• Irish Sports Legends
• Mirror maze and Chamber of Horrors (not suitable for younger children)

Permanent exhibitions

• Time Vaults of Irish History – A walk through the stages of Irish history using waxwork scenes with sound.
• Science and Discovery – A zone on Irish inventors, engineers and scientists.
• Great Irish Writers – Waxwork figures of well-known Irish writers at the entrance of the museum.

Founded

1983

Admission & discounts

The listed prices are the lowest "from" prices; the final price is shown when booking online. Tickets can also be bought at the museum, subject to availability, and advance booking is recommended at busy times.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is partly wheelchair accessible for regular-sized wheelchairs and simple prams. A lift serves all floors. Because of the building, only two wheelchairs can be accommodated at a time, so the museum asks visitors to book ahead and contact the team before visiting. Buggies and prams can be difficult at busy times; a baby carrier is recommended. Staff can advise on the best route through the museum. Access queries: hello@waxmuseumplus.ie or +353 1 671 8373.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly: not available
• Baby changing facilities
• Kids’ birthday parties

Several rooms are aimed at families, including fantasy, heroes and villains, folklore and interactive areas. The Chamber of Horrors may not suit younger children. Kids birthday parties can be booked. Buggies and prams may be hard to manage at busy times.

Getting there & parking

Coaches can drop off on D'Olier Street and Westmoreland Street; coach parking is available on Fleet Street. The museum is a short walk from Temple Bar, O'Connell Bridge and Trinity College.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

There is a gift shop, where visitors can also make a copy of their own wax hand. Baby changing facilities are on the bottom floor.

Events & venue rental

• Private parties

Private guided murder mystery for groups of 8 to 12 (ages 16+, book at least two weeks ahead), kids birthday parties and group visits can be arranged.

Plan your visit