History Behind The Wax

The National Wax Museum has been a huge part of the Irish tourism landscape for nearly 40 years and we are proud of its fantastic history to date. Here is some interesting information about our old locations over the years and some twists and turns we have experienced.

Part 1: Granby Row

The National Wax Museum at it was then known was originally situated in Granby Row near Parnell Square in Dublin 1. It was opened in 1983 by the Lord Mayor of Dublin and was an exciting new addition to the city. The museum became a landmark with the Giant Cú Chulainn scaling the side of the building and many of our current visitors still remember the infamous tunnels and visiting on there school tour as children. Is was then as it is now the most famous Dublin Museum.

Part 2: Foster Place – The Armoury

The Museum was housed over four floors and 13,000 square feet in a historic Foster Place landmark building the Armoury. The Armoury was previously the home of Ireland’s gold store and arms at the turn of the last century! As you ventured through the basement, you would have seen the old bank vaults with their heavy doors which house each scene from Irish history and mythology.

Part 3: Westmoreland Street – The Lafayette Building

The National Wax Museum re-located to The Lafayette Building in Westmoreland Street in 2017. The attraction was re-imagined and re-designed to offer an interactive visitor experience. After being closed for some years, it was time for a change. With a new venue, the museum was never going to simply return to what it was, the time had arrived to create a new visitor experience. The museum has been re-imagined as the National Wax Museum Plus. It now offers all of the wax figures which gave the original its charm, but also many other additional exhibits. The addition of the Plus to the name, indicated that the museum was to be more than just wax. Many exhibits were added, which stepped outside the world of wax into the realm of interactive exhibits. The museum now also features the Time Vaults of Irish History and Mythology. This area recreates Ireland’s cultural heritage down through the ages. Visitors can get up close and personal with a huge array of historical figures. Become completely immersed in Irish Historical with an experience of sight, sound and smell.

Our Attractions

For Young & Adults

Time Vaults

Science & Discovery

Chambers of Horror

Great Irish Writers

Father Ted’s Room

Wax World

Music & Entertainment

Wax Hands

They Loved It

I was walking on the main Boulevard and I saw the signs for the Wax Museum. I had some time to kill so i decided to see it. it’s an enjoyable experience you get to see some viking scenes, medieval Dublin and contemporary as well . Also have a good horror section, kids and much more. If you fancy something else after castles and churches give it a shot!

Visiting on Halloween Spooky Factor up to 11, each room had some great insights into Irish History. The chamber of horror was first class as was all the all star area with pop/movie stars. A really enjoyable tour.

Lovely and interesting museum for kids and adults, a chance to have your photo take along with your favourite Irish (and not only) writers say Oscar Wilde or actor Liam Neeson anybody or singer, Phil Lynott and of course many more . I go there once a year and love it every time. That’s the first place I bring my visiting friends or family, so I can easily recommend it. And they even have a small but relevant horror chamber!!!

We had a wonderful afternoon in here, it is not huge, but is a decent size. Upon entry we saw a lot of famous Irish men that we didn’t know but we still appreciated them, there are a few historical moments and a chamber of horrors of course, which made me jump once or twice. The music hall of fame had lots of Irish singers, Bob Geldof, Jedward and Phil Lynott to name a few, and surprisingly Elvis and Kylie Minogue.. If you are up for a giggle then go and have fun, if you have small children there is a fabulous area for tiny tots to explore and even some cartoon waxworks!

Great day today in the Wax Museum great fun had by all the family young and old (personal fav was the horror Chambers) also loved that you stocked Keogh’s Gluten Free Crisps in the Cafe, so many places forget about coeliacs, thank you.

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History Behind The Wax

Part 1: Granby Row

Part 2: Foster Place – The Armoury

Part 3: Westmoreland Street – The Lafayette Building