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Museums and galleries

If you want a day out that is educational and fun, visit a museum or gallery. From local history to modern art and dinosaurs to space rockets, there's something for everybody.

COVID-19 update

For opening times and more information, visit: National Museums NI   

What's on

As well as featured exhibitions, museums and galleries sometimes hold workshops, activities and events. 

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium

The Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is Northern Ireland's main astronomical research and education facility.  It offers visitors a digital full dome theatre, exhibitions and workshops and an outdoor Astropark featuring scale models of the Solar System

National Museums Northern Ireland

The National Museums Northern Ireland include:

Ulster Museum

The Ulster Museum is the home of Northern Ireland’s treasures – past and present. The rich collections of art, history and natural sciences take you on a journey across the globe and to the far reaches of space.  

  • Ulster Museum

Ulster Folk Museum

Journey back in time to rediscover Ulster as it was over a century ago. Explore rolling hills of countryside and a bustling town filled with authentic period buildings. See daily demonstrations of traditional crafts from basket weaving to printing and meet the costumed guides bringing it all to life.

  • Ulster Folk Museum

Ulster Transport Museum

Journey through time and discover the epic story of transport and social change in this part of the world at the Ulster Transport Museum. It’s a unique place for the dreamers and doers of tomorrow to draw inspiration from the engineering giants of this small country. 

  • Ulster Transport Museum

Ulster American Folk Park

Embark on a journey back in time from the Old World of Ulster to the New World on the American frontier. 

  • Ulster American Folk Park

You can find out more on the National Museums Northern Ireland and Northern Ireland Museums Council and websites.

You'll find a list of museums to visit on Discover Northern Ireland.

Ulster Aviation Society has a collection of more than 40 historic aircraft and exhibits celebrating Northern Ireland’s aviation heritage.

For a list of art galleries to visit, go to Discover Northern Ireland.

Libraries NI service updates 

For the latest information on library services visit the Libraries NI website.

  • Libraries

More useful links

  • Arts Council of Northern Ireland
  • Public transport  
  • Family history, heritage and museums 
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Family history, heritage and museums

  • Accessing built heritage
  • Archaeology and treasure
  • Archives for family and local history
  • Historic buildings and monuments
  • Museums and galleries
  • Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI)
  • Research family history at the General Register Office NI (GRONI)

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