Stamp marks Museum’s 150th anniversary

25 October 2007

The zoological and geological museum was built in 1856 and opened a year later as the museum of the Royal Dublin Society, housing one of the world’s finest and fullest collections comprising 10,000 animals. The opening was marked by a lecture by David Livingstone on his travels in Africa.  The display includes extinct Irish animals as well as animals from around the world. 

The Natural History Museum is currently closed following an incident earlier this year.  The Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism and the Office of Public Works are working with the National Museum of Ireland on a redevelopment plan for the National History Museum.   The redevelopment will retain the integrity of the existing building and exhibitions while providing greater access and more exhibition potential. 

The Irish Elk’s giant antlers, measuring three metres across are the largest deer antlers ever recorded. They caused a sensation in Elizabethan times and were donated to the museum by William Wray Maunsell, Archbishop of Limerick in 1825. The stamp and first day cover (€1.55) are available at main Post Offices, the GPO Philatelic Shop and online at www.irishstamps.ie