Published 20 November 2025

The Little Museum of Dublin, located in a Georgian townhouse at 15 St Stephen’s Green, underwent a transformative €4.3 million redevelopment for over two years. The refurbishment enhanced the museum’s visitor experience and operational capacity, positioning it as a flagship cultural site in central Dublin.

Jointly funded by Fáilte Ireland, the Department of Tourism and Culture, Dublin City Council, and private and corporate donors, the project supported the museum’s long-term growth as a tourism and education asset.

 

Little Museum of Dublin

Working in partnership with conservation architects Deaton Lysaght, our team provided full structural and MEP engineering services for the redevelopment. A key feature of the project was the design and installation of a striking four-storey lift structure, framed in steel and clad in glass, to ensure inclusive access to all levels of the museum. The substructure included a 550mm-deep raft foundation set into stiff clay and reinforced concrete walls forming the lift pit. Above ground, the superstructure comprised a steel frame supporting the glass cladding, with vertical loads transferred through SHS columns and UC beams. Lateral stability was achieved via vertical diagonal bracing and structural connections anchoring the lift shaft to the existing building.

The scheme included a full revamp of the mechanical and electrical systems to provide a comfortable and welcoming internal environment, overcoming the challenges of working within a protected structure.

Life safety systems such as fire alarms and emergency escape routes were prioritised, and the lighting design was delivered in close collaboration with interior designers and specialist suppliers to meet both aesthetic and functional requirements. Additional drainage and access improvements were implemented to support long-term resilience and improved visitor flow.

The refurbishment facilitated the expansion of the museum’s artefact collection, sourced from the Irish public, and enabled the reimagining of popular displays. Highlights included the Made in Dublin music room featuring a maquette of Vera Klute’s Luke Kelly statue, a basement garden with a historic K1 telephone box, a stairwell dedicated to former Dublin Lord Mayor Alfie Byrne, and a first-floor gallery overlooking St Stephen’s Green that chronicled Dublin’s history from Victorian times through Little Jerusalem, Oscar Wilde, Nelson’s Pillar and the 1916 revolution. New additions also included a youth education space, a reception area, and a patio for outdoor events.

Sustainability and longevity were central to the design approach. Scalable infrastructure and flexible programming reduced the need for future structural changes, aligning with environmental and social sustainability goals.