The Little Museum of Dublin

No. 15 Saint Stephen's Green

Project Summary:

Occupying one of Dublin's finest surviving Georgian townhouses overlooking St. Stephen's Green, the Little Museum of Dublin is both a nationally significant cultural institution and an important protected structure. Originally constructed between 1776 and 1779, the building has evolved over almost 250 years from an elegant private residence into one of the city's most visited museums, while retaining an exceptional degree of its historic character and craftsmanship.

Deaton Lysaght Architects led the comprehensive conservation, repair and refurbishment of the building between 2018 and 2026, delivering the most significant programme of works undertaken to the property in decades. The project addressed long-standing structural issues, upgraded mechanical and electrical services, improved fire safety and environmental performance, and introduced full universal accessibility through the careful integration of new lift facilities and visitor infrastructure. Throughout the project, every intervention was developed to respect the architectural significance of the Georgian townhouse while ensuring it could continue to operate as a modern public museum.

The conservation strategy was founded on the principle of minimum intervention. Historic fabric was retained and repaired wherever practicable, with traditional materials and conservation techniques employed in preference to replacement. Extensive opening-up works revealed concealed elements of the original structure, allowing repairs to be precisely targeted while adding significantly to the understanding of the building's construction and evolution.

A central objective was to demonstrate that conservation and accessibility can be complementary rather than competing priorities. New circulation routes, building services and life-safety systems were integrated discreetly within the existing fabric, preserving the character of the principal historic interiors while enabling visitors of all abilities to experience the museum. The completed project ensures the long-term sustainability of one of Dublin's most important historic buildings, allowing it to continue evolving as a vibrant public institution while safeguarding its architectural and cultural significance for future generations.