Stories

Our collections tell the story of our shared experiences. These articles help to connect the dots around who we are, the past we share and the future we are building together.

A row of white mannequins modelling garments in the Ashes to Fashion exhibition at Ulster Museum

Fashion and Textiles

Stories

A Collection Reborn

On 11th November 1976, a devastating fire at Malone House led to the near-total loss of the original costume and textile collection. Fifty years on, it’s time to celebrate a collection reborn.

Stitches being made to the gelatine sequin dress

Fashion and Textiles

Collection

Fashion Conservation

These short films tell the story of the Ulster Museum Fashion Collection and the work behind putting these incredible items on display.

Treasure Series

Article

Elisabeth Frink's 'Flying Figures'

June 2024 marked the 60th anniversary of the unveiling of Elisabeth Frink's 'Flying Figures' on the Ulster Bank in Shaftesbury Square.

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Curator Tour

Digital Tour

Wild Ireland: Curator Tour

Explore the paintings in Wild Ireland with Dr Mike Simms, Curator of Geology and wildlife artist Julian Friers.

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History

The Troubles and Beyond

Stories

Hunger Strike Commemorative Banner

August 2026

Discover how commemorative banners reveal a longer and perhaps less familiar history of hunger strikes, while also highlighting how people and events connected to conflict are remembered, represented and preserved today.

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Treasure Series

Guest Blog

Talking Treasure

Greer Ramsey, Curator of Archaeology, explores objects from the Treasure Collection from Bronze Age, to the Vikings and beyond

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A view into a museum case. On the right, we can see the top half of a batik artwork, with a figure depicted in yellow wax on a black background.

Inclusive Global Histories

Guest Blog

Batik: Cloth with a Story

The batik painting in the Ulster Museum's World Cultures collection shows us how batik is still a treasured part of African textile traditions, connecting Northern Ireland to global histories and global creativity.

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Natural Sciences

Robyn taking photographs of a sponge spicule with a microscope and screen

Discovery Series

Stories

Digitising the Sponge Collection

Learn more about how we're digitising our vast sponge collection!

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Discovery Series

Guest Blog

Where Did All The Starlings Go?

Conor McKinney, Founder and Chair of Wild Belfast, re-tells the beautiful and poignant story of the murmurations disappearance, and return.

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A close-up of a meteorite. The surface is rough and pocketed, with flashes of light through it.

Discovery Series

Stories

Visitors From Space

Join Dr Mike Simms in exploring meteorites in the Ulster Museum collection!

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Ulster Museum at 50

Since 1972, Ulster Museum has provided a platform for bold new perspectives. Discover how we have offered a global perspective throughout the last five decades.