14 Henrietta Street museum wins prestigious European heritage award
The 14 Henrietta Street museum has won one of Europe’s most prestigious awards for heritage.
A social history museum located in a Georgian townhouse in the north inner city, Dublin City Council’s 14 Henrietta Street museum tells a story about the urban life of the people who called the building home for over 300 years. As the recipient of the European Heritage Award / Europa Nostra Award, the space has been recognised in the awards category of Citizen’s Engagement and Awareness-raising.
14 Henrietta Street is not a museum in the traditional sense as it is informed by listening and talking with former residents, the local community, visitors, historians and experts. 14 Henrietta Street keeps people at the centre of the museum and ensures that the stories of the lives lived here carry equal weight to the documented historical facts.
In this way, the museum continues to gather memories and discover new stories, creating an experience where history is not just preserved but continuously discovered, shared and brought to life.
Commenting on the win, Lord Mayor Ray McAdam thanked the jury for their recognition of 14 Henrietta Street. He said that this award “reflects many years of dedication, care and imagination from the remarkable team behind the museum.”
"Today, 14 Henrietta Street is deeply loved by the people of Dublin and by visitors from across the world. That affection speaks to the care, respect and authenticity with which the museum tells the story of our city,” he said.
"This award recognises the extraordinary work of the team who made this vision possible. But it also honours the thousands of lives that passed through the doors of this house over more than 300 years."
The museum is operated by Dublin City Council Culture Company , whose Chief Executive Iseult Dunne said is “shaped by listening to, engaging with and learning from the people who connect with the house and its history.”
"We aim to ensure that visitors can explore the history and heritage of Dublin in ways that feel meaningful and accessible. This recognition is a tribute to the commitment of our team and the many people who continue to contribute to and enrich the work of the museum," she said.
All of the award winners will be celebrated at the European Heritage Awards Ceremony 2026 on 28 May in Nicosia, Cyprus. The Awards Ceremony will be live streamed via the Europa Nostra website.
14 Henrietta Street was also shortlisted for a second award, which is determined by public vote. This potential second award is the Public Choice Award 2026 and votes can be cast until 12 May at this link: Vote online .
This content is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme