Step into the National Museum of Ireland – Natural History in Dublin and you’ll find the Wonder Cabinet, a modern take on the Victorian “cabinet of curiosity.” It’s an interactive exhibition space where visitors can get up close to fascinating specimens, and it doubles as an educational event and workshop space. It’s a firm favourite with younger visitors, who love the hands-on, tactile way of learning about the natural world.
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What’s featured in the Wonder Cabinet?
Part of the Discovery Zone at the National Museum of Ireland – Natural History, Dublin, the Wonder Cabinet explores the theme of Predator and Prey. Among its features are:
- Spotted Hyena taxidermy mount – today, these animals live in the wild in Africa, but did you know that fossils have been found in Ireland, dating back about 30,000 years?
- Spotted Hyena fossil jawbone – see up close a real fossil that was found in a cave in Ireland.
- Spotted Hyena skull (replica) – touch a hyena skull and see its sharp teeth and distinctive powerful jawbone.
- Giant Irish Deer (Megaloceros giganteus) – the Wonder Cabinet has a real fossil antler from a giant Irish deer. It is thousands of years old, and visitors can touch it. After checking out the Wonder Cabinet, head to the Irish Room at the museum to see the real fossil skeletons on display. These giant deer went extinct in Ireland over 10,500 years ago.
- Loggerhead Turtle – this adult turtle was found on a beach in Clarinbridge, Co. Galway. These turtles eat animals such as the moon jellyfish while migrating through the Atlantic Ocean.
- Peregrine Falcon – visit the Wonder Cabinet to see what the peregrine is chasing! This bird of prey is the fastest living thing on Earth and can reach speeds of over 250km per hour while hunting.
- Marine Handling Area – touch a giant fossil shark tooth, a seal skull (replica) and a shark jaw (replica) at the Wonder Cabinet.
- Visitors can also see wild predators and prey found in Ireland today, such as a sleeping fox, a hungry stoat, a mouse in hiding and a brown rat.
- The Wonder Cabinet also explains why hares live above ground while rabbits live underground.
The Wonder Cabinet event space
The clever design of the Wonder Cabinet makes it a great space for educational events and workshops. Hidden inside are projectors, screens and microscopes for use during events, along with an interactive display area.
The Wonder Cabinet lets visitors engage with the specimens in a unique, tactile way, making it a fun space to learn something new about the natural world.
If you’re planning a visit, check the National Museum of Ireland – Natural History website for current opening hours and details of admission, events, activities and workshops running throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Wonder Cabinet?
The Wonder Cabinet is an interactive exhibition space at the National Museum of Ireland – Natural History in Dublin. It lets visitors examine specimens up close and also serves as an event and workshop space, currently themed around Predator and Prey.
Where is the Wonder Cabinet located?
It’s part of the Discovery Zone at the National Museum of Ireland – Natural History on Merrion Street, Dublin.
Is the Wonder Cabinet suitable for young children?
Yes, the hands-on, tactile approach makes it especially popular with younger visitors, though children of all ages can enjoy exploring the specimens and displays.
Do I need to book to visit the Wonder Cabinet?
Booking requirements can change, so it’s best to check the museum’s website before you visit, especially if you’re planning to attend a specific event or workshop.
What is the Discovery Zone?
The Discovery Zone is a dedicated area within the National Museum of Ireland – Natural History designed for interactive learning, and the Wonder Cabinet is one of its key features.
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Before You Go
Loved learning about the Wonder Cabinet? Browse our full collection of things to do with the kids in Dublin and beyond for more free and low-cost family days out.
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