Ulster Museum
Ulster Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Housed in an iconic building in the beautiful surroundings of Belfast's Botanic Gardens, the Ulster Museum is a place of awe and wonder; a place with open doors for open minds. Uniquely, it is a resource that locates Ulster's shared and contested past within the broader context of the museum's multidisciplinary Art, History and Natural Sciences collections; offering new perspectives and complementary prisms on the wider world. Free to enter, the museum is a welcoming and inspiring destination for locals and tourists alike.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view










What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Ulster Museum and nearby attractions
The area
Address
How to get there
- Botanic • 9 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
927 within 5 kms
Attractions
240 within 10 kms
See what travelers are saying
- LauraDaveJamesSolihull, United Kingdom4,132 contributionsAn Intelligently Curated MuseumThis is certainly the best museum that we have been to in the last two or three years. It is a large museum laid out over several floors and a wide range of subjects are covered, including an excellent exhibition on “The Troubles”. We spent over two hours enjoying the museum and didn’t have sufficient time to visit the art gallery area. A very enjoyable morning, free to visit and very educational.Visited November 2022Traveled as a coupleWritten December 4, 2022
- George C42 contributionsMassive - But worth itThe museum it’s self is free and got a little gift shop and cafe, but it is massive. The most impressive part for me was the elements section where a lot of the science stuff was, as well as a massive impressive rock collection. The gallery was also very impressive too and even had some paintings up for sale. Took us about 2 hours and didn’t fully complete it. So I would recommend maybe 3-4 hours to complete it. It is disability friendly, but it has alot of walking and it’s over 5 floors. No complaintsVisited December 2022Traveled as a coupleWritten December 21, 2022
- ReadreviewsStockport, United Kingdom16 contributionsSuper museumThoroughly enjoyed our visit to the museum even though we were only able to spend a short time going round. Lots of very informative displays in all of the sections and some very impressive art work in the gallery. Would definitely recommend a visit.Visited January 2023Written January 30, 2023
- Sue R19 contributionsGreat for natural history and interesting art collectionI enjoyed my visit. Pleasant cafe with limited menu but good for light lunch. Art collection is interesting and not too extensive so you can give each painting the attention it deserves. Super natural history exhibits which are well displayed.Visited February 2023Written February 8, 2023
- saffymillBelfast, United Kingdom11 contributions5* VisitAs a wheelchair user this has to be one of the top accessible places to visit. Visited with family on a busy half-term holiday which normally would make wheelchair manouver difficult but this was just sheer joy to negotiate. Staff very knowledgeable and helpful.Museum is very light and airy with lots of very interesting and exciting exhibits with interactive rooms for younger visitors. Had a very nice coffee in cafe which again was very pleasant to visit due to the ease of access. Not only is the museum wheelchair friendly it allows those with prams and maybe those with other mobility issues to use the gently sloping ramps. Well done Ulster Museum.Visited February 2023Traveled with familyWritten February 17, 2023
- Hei2005Yorkshire, United Kingdom186 contributionsA great range of cultureWe visited Belfast for a few days and this was one of the places we wanted to visit and we were not disappointed. There are 5 floors of Art, History and Science, and while the layout is highly accessible we got the the bottom and looked up and realized, due to the layout, we had missed bits out. No worries we went back up! Definitely recommend a visitVisited February 2023Traveled with friendsWritten March 3, 2023
- Samuel DSt. Andrews, United Kingdom12 contributionsClean, Modern, Well PresentedI came to the Ulster Museum for their Troubles exhibition. It was moving and highly informative. Furthermore, the rest of the museum was interesting, including large exhibition galleries displaying important artefacts across Ulster.Visited March 2023Written March 6, 2023
- Jeffry bEssendon, Australia13,811 contributionsUlster's contribution to IrelandUlster is not defined by merely a line in the map. Ulster is a unique civilization. The Ulster Museum has many artifacts, dating back to the dawn of time. Now that the horrors of the Troubles seem to be behind us, it's time to celebrate Ulster's contribution to Irish culture.Visited January 2023Written March 17, 2023
- Roi GTel Aviv, Israel150 contributionsA Truly Great MuseumThis museum is free (!!!), and is one of the most informative, multi-subject, and interesting museums I have had the pleasure of visiting! There is something for everyone - art in all its forms, natural history, zoology, ecology, geometry, and history. A must in Belfast!Visited June 2022Traveled as a coupleWritten March 27, 2023
- ClitanaStranocumHelen's Bay, United Kingdom9 contributionsNiceI love this museum deeply. In my life I have spent 100s of hours in it (yes, I counted it up) and I have been coming since early 1980s. It's just lovely and you must go. I cannot refrain from stating my strong feelings about the building work that was carried out. The extension to the museum is a classic of brutalist architecture and the interior was just as special. It should have been preserved, and the work that was carried out was, in my view, quite criminal. I hope that the original plans were kept and that one day (in the far, far distant future) the original design will be restored once again.Visited March 2023Written March 28, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,752 reviews
Excellent
2,427
Very good
1,046
Average
216
Poor
43
Terrible
20
Grace N
2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Great experience has a bit of everything. From the troubles history and of northern Ireland to animal life
Written 28 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alison B
2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Had a lovely visit to the Museum yesterday. Girl as we entered was really welcoming and helpful. My grandchildren really enjoyed the activities on the 5th floor. The art on show was really interesting especially
Colin Middletons work.
However was not impressed with the cafe. Actually witnessed a member of the cafe staff throwing perfectly good sandwiches into a bin. Surely these could have been reduced/sold or else distributed to the homeless.
Colin Middletons work.
However was not impressed with the cafe. Actually witnessed a member of the cafe staff throwing perfectly good sandwiches into a bin. Surely these could have been reduced/sold or else distributed to the homeless.
Written 13 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DMorgs71
232 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
Lots of lovely exhibits covering art, nature and history. Worth seeing - it’s free and a jewel in Belfast’s crown. Dinosaur bones, a mummy, and an honest history of the Troubles, including stories from both sides. A prefect place to head to for a few hours if it’s raining!!
Written 23 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eithne R
Manchester, UK9 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
The museum has many good points: it is very accessible by public transport, and has free admission. There is a great variety of exhibitions, and good children’s activities, such as an art workshop. It is great for a family outing, so much to do and see. We loved the Colin Middleton exhibition on the 5th floor, and the fashion and contemporary art and ceramics. However, signage is needed badly! You have no idea what is there, and we had to search for the Middleton exhibition. More signage and information in the entrance and on reaching a different floor is needed. The shop is very good, with helpful assistance.
Sadly the cafe is poor, and cash only was acceptable on our two visits. Needs to step up big time,
Otherwise, the Museum itself and gardens are definitely worth a visit.
Sadly the cafe is poor, and cash only was acceptable on our two visits. Needs to step up big time,
Otherwise, the Museum itself and gardens are definitely worth a visit.
Written 8 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Friarygirl1974
Bedford, UK38 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
We really enjoyed looking round this modern museum. The displays were well laid out and interesting; plenty of variety. The section on the history of the Troubles was very informative and easy to follow.
The restaurant was mainly baguettes, sandwiches and croissants which is difficult for someone on a low carb diet, but I managed to find a ham and cheese croissant which was very nice. My friend was able to find a gluten and dairy free option too.
The restaurant was mainly baguettes, sandwiches and croissants which is difficult for someone on a low carb diet, but I managed to find a ham and cheese croissant which was very nice. My friend was able to find a gluten and dairy free option too.
Written 8 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travel 360
80 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Free, on bus line 8a and 8d (maybe others, too) great variety: Nature, Art, History, 1920’s fashion, and more on 5 floors. Super friendly docents! We arrived by hop on hop off and a docent explained how to get a city bus back to the city center. Great for kids… activities area on every floor.
Written 6 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rover42
19 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
An excellent museum full of interest , helpful and friendly staff , lots to enjoy . Decent cafe , decent service , and it’s free !
Written 4 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Summerasalifestyle
Malibu, CA2,929 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
Ulster museum
Free and ya gotta love that…But give a donation!
Fantastic exhibit on the troubles…fairly sure it’s permanent. The photo exhibit on fourth floor is so cool. Sixties to the millennium.
Yes yes yes
Free and ya gotta love that…But give a donation!
Fantastic exhibit on the troubles…fairly sure it’s permanent. The photo exhibit on fourth floor is so cool. Sixties to the millennium.
Yes yes yes
Written 2 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alexandra K
London, UK313 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
My expectations were not high as, coming from London, one doesn’t expect anything to top local museums. I was very pleasantly surprised. It is a very modern building designed on the Guggenheim, NY idea of descending in a sort of spiral. The displays were very varied - modern art, Georgian glass, snow foxes - something for everyone. Only tiny gripe is the lack of signage. If you are looking for something particular rather than viewing the whole lot you could find it tricky. Top marks to the young man in the gift shop who was incredibly well informed. Hope he ends up running the museum.
Written 28 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katie H
Jersey, UK322 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
My partner and I visited the museum during our stay in Belfast.
I really enjoyed that the museum has a floor for Art, History and Nature - varied the visit!
The staff were really friendly, the exhibits were interesting and included interactions.
There was an art and a science area for kids too which looked fun!
Definitely recommend a visit.
I really enjoyed that the museum has a floor for Art, History and Nature - varied the visit!
The staff were really friendly, the exhibits were interesting and included interactions.
There was an art and a science area for kids too which looked fun!
Definitely recommend a visit.
Written 10 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kirsty D
136 contributions
Do you need to prebook in order to see the Game of Thrones tapestry?
buckpoolloon
Edinburgh, UK215 contributions
No, we didn't have to pre book. Enjoy your visit !
cynthiardz26
France
Saben si el museo cuenta con wifi gratis e o cerca de ahi? Ando sola y con bebe y para no estar incomunicada de mi esposo •_•
akabalor
Murcia, Spain248 contributions
Si, tienen wifi gratis
fishfools
Boise, ID18 contributions
What is the minimum amount of time I would need to see the Museum? We only have an hour and a half and don't want to waste time if it would not be worthwhile. Thanks for your input.
Kevin G
Belfast, UK
Hello, 90 minutes would give you enough time to have an overview of the Museum and also explore some of the art, history or nature galleries in more detail. I hope that you enjoy your visit.
Is there a dinosaur display
sharongcanning
Belfast, UK30 contributions
Yeah, there's a small natural history section which includes a few
mamjjjggffxvh
Carrickfergus, UK119 contributions
Yes there good works of art in the galleries
John C
Belfast, UK917 contributions
Yes from time to time they have different exhibits at present they have a very hard hitting one about the troubles ( must see ) Silent Testimony
Another one to start A Step in Time: The Story of Irish Dance
Sean
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK141 contributions
are there good works of art in the museum
mamjjjggffxvh
Carrickfergus, UK119 contributions
Yes there are works of art in the gallery
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingULSTER MUSEUM: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Ulster Museum
- Hotels near Ulster Museum:
- (0.34 km) The Harrison
- (0.18 km) Pearl Court Apartments
- (0.23 km) Wellington Park Hotel
- (0.56 km) The Gregory
- (0.57 km) Avenue House
- Restaurants near Ulster Museum:
- (0.02 km) Wynne & Pym
- (0.18 km) The Welcome Restaurant
- (0.16 km) Deanes at Queens
- (0.08 km) A Nice Sip
- (0.07 km) Cafe Destination