Happy Birthday, Ulster Museum! 50 years of history in a stunning building.
The Ulster Museum is celebrating being 50 years old.
The museum opened its doors in 1972 at the height of the Troubles and is still as popular as ever with locals and international visitors alike. It remains one of the must-see attractions when visiting Belfast and is set within the stunning Botanic Gardens. We are so lucky to have this treasure trove right near us at The Harrison. It is literally right down the street and sits in the beautiful, flower filled Botanic Gardens. Queens University is just next door.
And it's free of charge!
In celebration of it’s birthday, we have put together our list of the five things we love the most about the Ulster Museum.
1. Slow art Sundays and Wellbeing Wednesdays
The next Slow Art Sunday is 6th November and will look at a few of J Yeats's paintings. Slow art talks typically look at 3 pieces over the period of an hour with discussion and explanation so that they can be fully appreciated.
The Wellbeing Wednesdays start with a Chai Me session followed by a mindful look at a collection within the museum. Just turn up and ask at reception. No need to book.
2. Takabuti
The ancient Egyptian mummy on display at the Ulster Museum suffered a violent death from a knife attack. See what she looked like and discover the life she led near Luxor. If you look closely in the glass cabinet behind her you might spot the mummified cat.
3. Treasures
The ‘Girona’, a Spanish Armada ship and floating treasure chest of wealth. Designed to carry 500 men, there were 1,300 on board when the ship went down in stormy seas near the Giant’s Causeway. People, their possessions, fine clothes and lofty ambitions sank to the ocean floor. Only five people survived. See gold coins, jewellery and cannons rescued from the sea.
4. Lavery Collection
At the Harrison, we love Sir John Lavery’s art. He was probably the most celebrated portrait painter of the Victorian-era. His paintings of his beautiful wife, Hazel, are amongst the most popular. Look out for "Lady in the Green Coat " on the fourth floor. The much-loved collection includes some of his finest portraits, as well as work painted during his time in Morocco, Switzerland and America.
5. Local Archaeology
Local archaeology, including the Malone hoard. A collection of prehistoric polished axe heads found buried upright in a circular formation in Danesfort, where the US embassy is situated, which is just a stone’s throw away from the Museum. Archaeologists think the axe heads were a sign of wealth as there's no evidence of use.
