Hunt Museum

Overview

Nestled on Rutland Street beside the River Shannon, the Hunt Museum occupies Limerick’s former Custom House – an elegant Palladian‑style building designed by Italian architect Davis Ducart in the late 1760s. Inside, the museum displays the remarkable private collection of John and Gertrude Hunt, spanning roughly 5,000 years of human creativity. With around 2,500 objects, the displays move fluidly from prehistoric stone tools to modern masterpieces by Pablo Picasso, Pierre‑Auguste Renoir and Jack B. Yeats. The venue also offers a café, a well‑stocked gift shop, and a tranquil garden that hosts seasonal events.

History

John Hunt, an English‑born antique dealer, and his German‑born wife Gertrude Hartman began amassing artefacts in the 1930s, driven by curiosity rather than commercial gain. Their collection grew through extensive travel, archaeological work in Limerick, and purchases from European dealers. In 1974 the Hunt Museum Trust was created to safeguard the collection, and a temporary home was found at the National Institute of Higher Education (now the University of Limerick) in 1978.

When the Irish government declined a permanent donation, a public‑private partnership involving the University of Limerick, Shannon Development, Limerick City Council and several cultural bodies secured the historic Custom House. After a major restoration by the Office of Public Works, the museum opened its doors in the restored 18th‑century building on 14 February 1997, an event marked by Taoiseach John Bruton. The opening day celebrated the marriage of heritage and architecture, and the museum continues to commemorate that moment each year with an Open Day featuring free admission, talks and workshops.

What to See & Do

Permanent Collections

• Ancient World – Egyptian scarabs, Greek pottery, Roman glass, and a rare Olmec artefact illustrate the breadth of the Hunts’ global interests.
• Irish Pre‑history – Neolithic flint tools, a Bronze‑Age shield and cauldron, and a collection of early Celtic metalwork trace the island’s earliest societies.
• Medieval Treasures – The 9th‑century Antrim Cross, the O’Dea Mitre and Crozier (on loan from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Limerick), and a host of stone and wooden statues, painted panels, ivories and enamelled jewellery showcase Ireland’s Christian heritage.
• Modern Art – Works by Pablo Picasso, Pierre‑Auguste Renoir, Roderic O’Conor, Jack B. Yeats, Robert Fagan and Henry Moore sit alongside Irish designer Sybil Connolly’s celebrated dresses, such as the “Heiress Dress” and the “Pink Ice Dress”.
• Special Highlights – A bronze horse once thought to be a Leonardo da Vinci design, the Arthur Cross and Chalice, and a Treasury Room filled with rosary beads, crucifixes and other devotional objects.

Temporary Exhibitions & Events

The purpose‑built exhibition gallery hosts rotating shows that draw from public institutions and private loans. Recent programmes have featured 19th‑century Irish painters, costume design from Irish film, and contemporary installations. In summer, the museum’s garden becomes a venue for jazz sessions, chess, boules and community workshops. Guided tours – free of charge – run hourly and focus on specific themes such as medieval metalwork or modern Irish painting.

Visitor Amenities

After exploring the galleries, relax at the Hunt Café, which offers a menu ranging from light snacks to full lunches with views of the Shannon. The adjoining gift shop stocks high‑quality Irish crafts, books, and design objects, making it an ideal place to pick up a souvenir.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Admission

Tickets can be purchased on‑site or booked in advance via the museum’s website www.huntmuseum.com. An average visit lasts between 45 minutes and one hour, though art lovers may linger longer in the temporary exhibition space.

Location & Access

The museum sits at the heart of Limerick City, a short five‑minute walk from the bustling Milk Market, King John’s Castle and St Mary’s Cathedral. Public transport routes converge on Rutland Street, and limited on‑street parking is available nearby. For those driving, the city centre car parks are within a ten‑minute walk.

Contact

For enquiries, call +353 61 312833 or email info@huntmuseum.com. More details, including current exhibitions and group booking options, are available on the official site.

Accessibility

The Custom House has been fully refurbished to meet modern accessibility standards, with level entrances, wheelchair‑friendly galleries and accessible restroom facilities.

Whether you are a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply looking for a rainy‑day cultural escape, the Hunt Museum offers a richly layered experience that reflects both the personal passions of its founders and the wider story of Irish and world heritage.